Black Silk Bodice Late 19th-Early 20th C Valencia - Museum Piece for Study and Restoration

Female jacket bodice made of black silk with linen lining, dating from the transition of the 19th to the 20th century. This specimen represents Spanish artisanal tailoring of the period, featuring a rigid internal structure and ornamental lace details.

Object History: Originating from Valencia, Spain, this piece follows the aesthetic canons of the late Victorian period and the early Edwardian era. The technical construction, including the use of internal boning to define the silhouette and meticulous application of pleated silk, is characteristic of turn-of-the-century civil indumentary.

Technical Details:
- Period: Circa 1895-1905
- Technique: Custom tailoring with lace applications and ruffles.
- Measurements: Chest 92 cm (36.2 in); Waist 74 cm (29.1 in); Neck 34 cm (13.4 in); Shoulder 12 cm (4.7 in); Armhole 16 cm (6.3 in); Length 50 cm (19.7 in); Sleeve 50 cm (19.7 in).
- Weight: 200 g (7.1 oz).
- Material: Silk exterior, linen lining, lace applications.

Condition: The item is in an advanced state of fragility. The physical-chemical phenomenon known as "shattered silk" is observed throughout, with fabric disintegration and longitudinal tears on the sleeves and torso. The linen lining remains stable. Not suitable for regular use; its structural integrity only allows for technical study, pattern-making, or controlled static display.

Value: Piece of academic interest for textile archives, historical clothing collectors, or period fashion restoration projects.