Black Silk Victorian Mourning Parasol

Victorian Late / Bustle · 1870s-1890s · European

A Victorian mourning parasol with a black silk canopy showing significant deterioration and fraying along the edges. The parasol features the characteristic deep dome shape of the 1870s-1880s period, with radiating ribs creating pleated sections from the central point to the scalloped rim. The silk fabric appears to have a subtle dark blue undertone beneath the black surface. The handle and frame mechanism are visible, constructed in the typical Victorian style with metal ribs and what appears to be a wooden or bone handle. The extensive fraying and fabric loss along the perimeter suggests age-related deterioration of the silk fibers, revealing the underlying construction and the delicate nature of period textiles.