Kraków Female Folk Costume

This costume was worn since the end of the 18th century by peasants from the lands of Małopolska, located in the southeastern Poland. It is the best known polish folk costume and the only one, which was promoted to the rank of a Polish national costume. In the 19th century Polish general Tadeusz Kościuszko made it a military uniform for his army. Kraków folk costume was always greatly admired, not only by the Poles, but also other Europeans: Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria complimented it during his visit in Kraków and Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich of Russia wore it while posing for a one of his portraits. Although at the beginning of the 20th century it has become a festive garment, its traditional cut, colours and adornments didn‘t change at all. Kraków female folk dress customarily includes: a linen embroidered blouse, a velvet embroidered corset and a floral pattern skirt with a pinafore. The whole costume is completed with lace-up boots, floral wreaths and ribbons for young girls and bonnets for married women. A large number of strings of beads was a proof of wealth. This handmade glass girl brings memories about the traditional costume and the embroidery from the Małopolska region. It belongs to the Bombkarnia author’s collection.

Size: ~ 14 cm.