Circa 1901 Edwardian Silk Pagoda Parasol

This parasol resembles a giant ivory morning glory with its pagoda styling.

Early Edwardian. Pagoda shape. Hand-embroidered. Sublime condition. All this adds up to this rare and exquisite example of fine collectible parasols and umbrellas. 

The parasol dates either during the last sigh of the Victorian era, or with the first breath of the Edwardian, circa 1901. The dating is obvious due to its shape, the complex folding mechanism, length of spokes and embroidery design. The parasol is entirely authentic, original and in glorious condition over all.

The parasol is made from natural silk stretched over metal spokes. Metal spokes replaced whalebone during the 1850s. As the 20th century approached, spokes became longer since they were also stronger. The spokes on this parasol are approximately 20 3/4 inches or 53 cm in length. It is approximately 32.50 inches or 82.5 cm across when open. 

The parasol was created in that grand pagoda shape. It is lined with sea glass green colored silk georgette. This is so finely woven that it is transparent and so delicate that it adds a just a polite suggestion of color to the underside. One of the most beautiful details about the parasol’s interior is that each spoke is perfectly faced with the same, matching silk and decorated with ruched georgette ruffles. 

The exterior of the parasol is covered with raised, white-on-white silk hand embroidery. The floral pattern, including butterflies, seems to drift across the entire outer side. The outer seams are strong and its overall silhouette is absolutely beautiful. 

The parasol is entirely hand sewn. The simple, sleek maple wood handle has a fascinating mechanism made so that it unscrews and folds easily, nearly in half. The long, natural silk cording with long fringed tassel were added to hide the place where the umbrella folds down.

Obviously, this magnificent pagoda parasol opens easily. However, we do not recommend using it as the silk has just started to split along the very edges of the parasol as well as one small place on the interior lining that is approximately 3/4 inch or 2 cm in length. It is starting to weaken on the interior as well. Please refer to the photographs. 

Under curatorial care, this parasol will make a magnificent display item. Discerning collectors will also enjoy this immensely…although its value for the long term will require careful, controlled storage and a loving hand. 

Overall the parasol is in excellent condition with minor age spotting and shadowing on the silk. This is not overly noticeable and typical of what most people would expect to find on silk that is well over a century old. It is a marvelous candidate for restoration of the inner lining which is the only area that shows indications of shattering.