Original Antique Victorian Bodice / Blouse - Black lace, embroidery with Jet Stone Beads - Size:  UK 4 - 6 waist 25"
Good condition
Absolutely exquisite bodice blouse in Black lace with black embroidery with 5 black jet stones, suggesting this was a mourning item of clothing.
The bodice has a blouson style which 'pulls' in at the waist, there is a 4" border of net below the waist band (for tucking into a skirt, however could be worn outside).
The front is double layered with a black netting underneath the beautiful lace & embroidered front. There are 'tabs' of embroidered strips with tassels that are positioned over the breasts at the front for modesty & there are 2 at the back for balance.
On the front neckline & shoulders there is wonderful raised black embroidery with 5 Jet Stone beads in the centre of the flowers.
The neck has a high lace collar with a cream/white ruffled lace edging (this white lace is losely stitched on with long running stitches, i presume this was to be removed for washing, in case the black dye runs into it).
The sleeves are a leg of mutton style, not overly puffed out at the top, but does taper to a tight fitting wrist with eyes & hook fastenings.
The back is fastened also with eyes & hooks.
The sides have pleating detail.
Measurements: actual width from arm pit to arm pit 32" to fit a Bust approx. 28" (possibly 30")
                         Waist is 25" (non stretch waist band)
                         Body/Torso Length from Shoulder to Waist band is 16"
                         Sleeve length from shoulder to wrist 22"