1920s 1930s Transylvanian wool folk waistcoat with black and red soutache decoration

Circa 1920s–1930s folk waistcoat from Transylvania. Entirely handmade from cream wool, lined in grey cotton with one inside pocket finished in a rustic hand-stitched manner.

Decorated with applied black soutache and red wool detailing in distinctive scrolling and circular motifs across the front and back.

Measurements

Chest (underarm to underarm): 21.5 in / 55 cm

Shoulder to shoulder: 14.5 in / 37 cm

Length (neck to hem): 21 in / 53 cm

Condition

Freshly laundered by hand. Lining shows holes, patches and rust marks, with further rust marks to the left front and a darker mark across the back as shown. Some of the red applied wool is missing. Fraying and minor losses to the edge soutache. General wear consistent with age and use, overall in good condition.

Sourced by myself in Transylvania.