The royal blue & ermine pair, have for centuries, symbolized the height of regality & royalty. Numerous portrait paintings of the 18th to early-19th century often depicted a prominent figure dressed in a coat trimmed with luxurious ermine. As we see in the Louis XIV oil on canvas portrait (below), c.1700, the artist has done just that, by illustrating a heavily adorned lady dressed with the coat.

 

This example is fashioned from royal blue velvet, with extremely silk & soft ermine trim. Decorated with golden wrapped threads embroidered throughout. Having a beautiful cut, which comprises of a fitted waist and with a loosely cut, flared hem, also with leg-of-mutton sleeves. I love the graceful touch of the flared back!

 

It would appear as though it is a 'couture' fancy-dress jacket, made to the style of an earlier piece. Marked with the maker's name which reads 'Granier / Costumier - Paris.' Most likely, the original owner would have commissioned the Parisian costumier to create this custom piece for a special fancy-dress occassion or very high-end stage production, as it's quality is superb. Lined with satin, and fastens at the front with, concealed, large hook-and-eyes.

 

 

Measurements: Bust 36", Waist 25."

 

The condition is Very Good- there are some small areas at the shoulders where there are a few mends to the velvet, these are only a few millimeters, though. There is some pale underarm discolouration to the velvet, which is not heavy, and a bit to the lining, also. None the less, they are all small imperfections, and don't detract from it's true beauty & rarity!