RARE Czech Folk Costume Policka kroj Bohemia ethnic embroidered apron skirt vest

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SlavArt The International MarketItem Czech woman's folk costume from Policka, Bohemia Dimensions Woman's size mediumVest - across front: 20" between underarmsSkirt - waist: up to 32" aroundSkirt -length: 32" Condition Very Good Condition - couple of minor stains on apron, skirt and shawl; minor snags to lace; small tear on vest front; light overall wear Description This listing is for a rare woman's folk costume from the town of Policka in the Bohemian part of the Czech Republic. Costumes from this region are very hard to find especially in such good and complete condition. This costume likely dates to the or mid-20th century and is a reproduction of an earlier 19th costume as originals are nearly non-existent and even Czech museums often rely on these excellent reproductions from the 20th century to complete their holdings. The costume includes ten pieces: blouse, vest, shawl, handkerchief, skirt, apron, underskirt, bloomers, stockings, and bonnet. There is white on white embroidery on the shawl, bonnet, and handkerchief, and yellow embroidery on the blouse. One of the fascinating features of Policka kroje is the use of intricate handmade knotted lace on the blouse cuffs and collar and well as along the edges of the wrap shawl and on the bonnet. The vest has a decorative panel on the front that is currently loose and pinned in place, but was originally stitched to the front of the vest. The panel is intended to fasten over the opening of the vest, but the hook and eye loop caused stress and a small tear to the fabric so the previous owner decided to remove it and use pins to reduce the stress. You can continue to pin the panel in place or sew it on if you prefer. The vest also has lovely decorative lacing on the back and on the front panel piece. Along the bottom of the back of the vest there is what is sometimes referred to as a "sausage" that serves to give additional volume to the skirt and also to keep the vest securely in place under the skirt. There is some red staining to this portion of the vest, but since it is always completely covered by the skirt it is not a serious issue. The most distinctive element of the costume is the dark blue hand-embroidered apron with various floral motifs. There is some aging and light stains to the apron resulting in some of the embroidery to look darker than the rest, but this is not serious. The skirt is made of red and white striped material and has a plain panel on the front that is covered by the apron. The costume comes complete with bloomers, decorative underskirt, and white stockings (not pictured) that complete the outfit. Overall, the costume is in very good condition with only minor issues related to age and decades of wear. Compared to many of the costumes that I sell, this is a larger size that would be easier to fit into for modern size women making it even more desirable. I have provided very basic measurements above to give an idea of the fit, but please send me an email if you need any other specific measurements. A beautiful ensemble that will be the highlight of any Czech kroj collection or a beautiful outfit to exhibit in a cultural center or museum. Highly recommended. I also have a complete man's costume from this region as well as two children's costumes so you could outfit a whole family from Policka! Please contact me if you are interested in the others.PLEASE REVIEW ALL OF THE PHOTOS CAREFULLY. I provide many photos so that you can see exactly what you are buying. The photos are an important part of the description and often show details that cannot be put into words. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to write.Please visit our seller's list to see other international books about world travel and art as well as ethnic costumes from other European, African and Asian countries. We are happy to combine multiple purchases and save you shipping fees! Please e-mail us with any questions and we will be more than happy to help.Don't forget to take advantage of our shipping discount on multiple purchases - details after... read more

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