Antique Victorian hair wreath

An exquisite and highly refined piece of Victorian hair art (c. 1860–1880).
In the 19th century, such handmade creations served as intimate family keepsakes or *memento mori* (mourning memorials), featuring human hair woven with extreme precision into the shapes of flowers and leaves.

Features of this unique piece: Exceptional craftsmanship: The wreath is constructed with great detail, employing various complex braiding and knotting techniques (including raised loops and wire-wrapped stems).

Luxurious finish: The flowers incorporate subtle glass beads and sequins, indicating a high-quality example from the period.

Exclusive backing: The artwork is mounted on an original, light-colored fabric background. Includes convex glass: The oval display comes with its original, antique convex glass, which creates a beautiful sense of depth while protecting the delicate hairwork.

Please note: The item is supplied as shown in the photographs (the fabric-covered backing board with the hair wreath and the accompanying convex glass). It does not include an outer wooden frame. Given its age (over 140 years old), the woven hairwork remains in beautiful, authentic condition, with only minimal signs of age along the edges of the fabric. A stunning and rare piece for collectors of taxidermy, oddities, curiosities, or Victorian antiques.

28 cm H