Chemise

NameDress

CultureBrsyak

(not assigned)North Macedonia (Formerly Republic of Macedonia), Southeastern Europe, Europe

Place madeZeleznik, Demir Hisar Municipality, Macedonia, Europe

MediumCotton, metal hooks and eyes

DimensionsH=shoulder to hem: 51 3/16 × 34 1/4 in. (130 × 87 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Bernard and Susan Ziobro, A.2015.20.1

Object numberA.2015.20.1

ProvenanceDonor grew up in Pittsburgh, PA as part of a local Yugoslav immigrant community. See long history of the collection in object file.

DescriptionThis natural white cotton chemise, with flared skirt has a 5cm stand up collar. The collar, hem, and front openings are decorated with a fine cross-stitched geometric pattern in two shades of red and outlined in black (it looks as if the sewer decided not to complete the piece (front). The outer edges are lined in a fine button-hole stitch. In contrast, cuffs are of a larger cross-stitch in patterns that are geometric and of stylized flowers. The color palette has changed, with blue, olive green and brown added. Two metal hooks and eyes serve as closures.
Embroidery down the front opening is unfinished. The maker likely quit filling in the outlines of the pattern once she realized it would fall under the line of the apron and mintan.