coif (unmade)

Summary

Unmade or unstitched coif in natural linen, blackwork embroidered with alternating rows of floral sprigs representing borage and heart's ease in black silk with silver gilt flowerheads. The ground is scattered with metal sequins, some missing. Gilt thread edging in chain stitch to curved section intended to be worn over ears. Laid flat; signs of having been made-up and later unstitched; also pinholes where pinned to backboard when framed. Similar stylised floral designs in Thomas Trevelyon's 'Miscellany' of 1608 (p.945).