Cutwork Blouse with Balloon Sleeves | Zvolenska Slatina, Slovakia

Description

Origin: Slovakia | Podpolanie region | Zvolenska Slatina village
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Condition: very good; minor wear; couple small spots; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Wingspan: 41″ cuff to cuff fully spread out
   Sleeve: 16″ from collar to cuff
   Length: 7.5″
Additional Notes: Fine example of a cutwork blouse from the Podpolanie region of central Slovakia. Similar blouses were worn in many of the village throughout the region and were traditionally starched to give the sleeves the full puffy shape as shown in the reference photo above. The blouse is made of white cotton with cutwork embroidery covering the sleeves and cuffs. The short style is typical of Podpolanie as such blouses were worn over woven undergarments that covered the midsection and added another element of design to the full folk costume. Due to the style, the blouse is difficult to measure and can fit a range of sizes.