Shirt, Hilliard with Blackwork

An exquisitely made, fine linen shirt taken directly from a Italian 16th C. shirt in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City which I examined in 1994.  This style is well documented in Nicholas Hilliard's portraits, and was most popular between 1540 -1600.

Cut on a typical 'rectangular' construction, the shirt fits loosely and has a broad 'falling band' collar, slightly gathered sleeves and wide turned back wrist frill. Center front slit. Fine machine blackwork embroidery adorns the collar, cuffs and front slit. The embroidery pattern, taken from the Bostocke Sampler, is worked directly onto the shirt fabric and looks like you spent countless hours in painstaking needlework. Wide tatted lace adorns the edges of the collar, slit, and wrist frill.

Made of fine linen, this confection of a shirt is the perfect accent to a lovingly created 16th C. suit of clothing. Professionally stitched of high quality materials, it will be the jewel in your wardrobe for years to come.

Hand cast pewter button at wrist, hand plied cord tie at neck. Fingertip length. Minimal visible exterior machine stitching.

Fine Ivory linen, cotton bobbin lace. Approx 36" long. One size fits up to 48" chest, 17" neck.

View Pomegranate Pattern Blackwork detail.
View Grape Pattern Blackwork detail.