[Fashion. Needlework samplebook] Celestine Cock (19th century)

Probably Belgium, composed c. 1850 (one example dated 1851), consisting of 12 thick blue paper sheets with 27 cloth examples of refined needlework, including beautiful complete (sets of) doll's clothes such as dresses, skirts, caps, blouses, an apron and underwear, all doll-sized, leaves loose in original halfcloth portfolio with (illegible) ticket on front cover and remains of ties, 43 x 39 cm.

2 silk examples discoloured/stained, else samples in perfect condition. Cloth of portfolio split at joints. The first name of the composer and the date 1851 can be found on a small sampler. Attached to the first leaf is a small needlework sample attached to paper with "C. Cock F.N.F." in pen verso. Remarkable and beautiful collection of delicate samples, extremely rare in its kind and perfectly preserved. All elements of the fashion of around 1850 are displayed: shapes, kinds of cloth and other materials, designs and finishing are presented unadorned. The difficulty of the needlework varies, suggesting that the album is composed during or following a needlework course for girls.