Handkerchief - inv. 5816
Italy, 19th century
Handkerchief
1850-1860
cotton
43 x 44 cm
E D and marquis crown
2011 donation Sabina and Giorgio Panciera di Zoppola
Inv. 5816
The white cotton handkerchief is embroidered with various needle stitches and it shows a decoration with floral motifs such as small roses, daisies and bluebells. The initials “ED”, surmounted by a marquis crown embroidered in one of the corners, can be related to Emma Dorio di Ciriè, née Della Chiesa di Benevello.
In the late 19th century the handkerchief was considered an important accessory as well as a symbol of femininity.
The decoration with small flowers was very fashionable in mid-19th century.