Handkerchief

Period1800 - 1850

Place MadeEngland or U.S.A.

MediumPrinted cotton

Dimensions29.5 × 26 in. (74.9 × 66 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Men's

Credit LineGift of Ellen Noonan Adams, 2000

Object number2000.21.33

DescriptionA square woven cotton handkerchief, printed in a bold turkey red and ochre yellow pattern of stylized swirls and circles, with a wide zig zag border around all four sides. Two sides of the cotton panel are left as plain selvage edges, while the top and bottom sides are hemmed.
Curatorial RemarksKerchiefs - square or otherwise shaped fabric panels - have been a fashion accessory since at least Roman times. Carved stone scenes depict Roman soldiers with kerchiefs tied casually around their necks, while numerous other cultures include similar fabric accessories as neckwear. Kerchiefs could be expensive items when made with silk, or used as practical item to keep sweat off a forehead or neck. This bold kerchief is difficult to date, and most likely was created around the middle of the 19th century.NotesThis bold red and yellow printed cotton kerchief was worn by a member of the Hartshorne family of Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

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