Embroidered Coif (Unassembled)

Currently not on view

Embroidered Coif (Unassembled)

c. 1580s

Artist/maker unknown, English

Coifs, or caps, were worn by women when entertaining at home from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century. This coif’s scrolling vine motif was influenced by “Tree of Jesse” designs from opus anglicanum. The “Jesse” pattern was inspired by a passage from the Book of Isaiah, which details the Messiah’s lineage, starting with Jesse of Bethlehem, father of King David. To assemble this coif, the embroidery would be folded in half and stitched across the top and secured with a drawstring closure on the bottom. When worn, the assembled coif would form a point at the woman’s forehead.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Embroidered Coif (Unassembled)

Date:

c. 1580s

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, English

Medium:

Linen plain weave with silk and gilt thread embroidery in outline, chain, twisted chain, plaited braid, straight, couching, knotted, and detached buttonhole filling stitches and bullion knots; gilt spangles

Dimensions:

8 x 16 1/2 inches (20.3 x 41.9 cm)

Classification:

Textiles

Credit Line:

Purchased with Museum funds, 1967

Accession Number:

1967-125-1

Geography:

Made in England, Europe

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Currently not on view