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Antique late 19th-century MacedonianBalkan folk-costume sleeveless wool coat or vest, dating approximately1880–1910.
An exceptional piece of traditional textilefolk art, constructed from extraordinarily thick, heavily fulled dark wool andextensively decorated by hand with brilliant red wool cordwork, looped edgingand gold-tone metallic braid. The long fitted and dramatically flaredsilhouette is characteristic of a special Balkan folk-costume outer garmentrather than an ordinary waistcoat.
The front features large symmetrical rows ofred and gold corded motifs, with smaller stylized tree-like designs near thelower corners. Dense looped red wool decorates the armholes and hem, while theside openings and vents are carefully outlined in red. The largely undecoratedback emphasizes the elaborate workmanship of the front.
The interior is especially interesting andclearly displays the hand construction, including the reverse of the decorativestitching and numerous raw or fringed wool edges. These are part of thegarment\'s traditional construction rather than remnants of a conventionalmodern lining.
Comparable museum examples are identified asMacedonian klashnik or valanka type sleeveless garments. Because traditionalBalkan costume regions predate today\'s national borders, this piece isconservatively described as Macedonian Balkan rather than assigned to aspecific modern country.
Measurements:
32 1/2 inches long down center back
Approximately 18 inches pit to pit, measured flat, plus approximately 2-inchfront opening
Back width approximately 29 1/2 inches as measured
Lower front panels approximately 18 inches
Weight: a substantial 4 pounds 14 ounces
A striking collector\'s piece suitable for animportant folk textile collection, costume study, museum-style display ordramatic historic interior display.
Keywordtags: Macedonian, Macedonia, Balkan, Balkan folk costume, Eastern European,ethnic, klashnik, valanka, antique vest, antique waistcoat, wool vest, woolcoat, folk costume, ethnic costume, traditional dress, folk art, textile art,ethnographic textile, 19th century, Victorian era, Ottoman era, handembroidered, hand stitched, soutache, cordwork, metallic braid, red embroidery,gold embroidery, felted wool, fulled wool, museum textile, collector textile,historic clothing, traditional clothing, primitive textile, bohemian decor,maximalist decor, wall display, wearable art
