1920s 1930s Transylvanian folk waistcoat with black and burgundy soutache decoration

Circa 1920s–1930s folk waistcoat from Transylvania. Entirely handmade from cream wool, lined in light green cotton with one inside pocket. The front has two decorative, non-functional pockets worked entirely in black soutache, with further scrolling soutache braiding running down the front and around the armholes. The back is richly decorated with black and burgundy soutache in intricate layered motifs.

Measurements

Chest (underarm to underarm): 18 in / 46 cm

Shoulder to shoulder: 14 in / 36 cm

Length (neck to hem): 22 in / 56 cm

Condition

Freshly laundered. Rust stains and marks to the lining, some caused by original metal hooks and eyes inside. Sun fading to some of the soutache, giving tonal variation between black and brown. Blueish marks to the front and back that may lift with further cleaning. Fraying to the braiding at the armholes, small moth nibbles, and the lining has come away slightly at the armholes.

Overall, the waistcoat remains strong, with finely detailed work and good visual depth.

Sourced by myself in Transylvania.