Jacket

Art Historical Context

This striking leather jacket from 1887 hails from Moravia, a region in what is now the Czech Republic exemplifying the rich tradition of Central European folk costume. Crafted for men as outerwear, it measures 22 inches at center back and incorporates an eclectic array of materials: wool and silk for fabric elements, leather for structure, and intriguing accents of glass beads, metal ornaments, and even hair—likely human or animal, woven or embroidered for texture and symbolism. Such unconventional combinations highlight the ingenuity of anonymous Moravian artisans, who blended functionality with ornate decoration. In the late 19th century, Moravian menswear like this jacket was more than mere clothing; it embodied cultural identity amid the Austro-Hungarian Empire's ethnic tapestry. Jackets often featured elaborate embroidery and accessories signaling social status, regional pride, or marital status, making them wearable art forms. The inclusion of hair and glass evokes protective talismans or festive embellishments common in rural festivals, preserving pre-industrial craftsmanship as modernization loomed. Acquired during Brooklyn Museum expeditions in 1920 and 1921, this piece now resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, offering a tactile glimpse into everyday heritage turned extraordinary. Visitors can appreciate how such garments bridged utility and artistry in 19th-century village life.