The parasol was a popular accessory during the 19th and early 20th century, a period when sun tanned skin was highly undesirable. It functioned both as a sunshade and a fashionable accompaniment to dress, distinguishing itself from the umbrella through its infinite and luxurious forms and essentially feminine status. Like the earlier trend for fans parasols displayed an individual's style and could be used in a coquettish ritual to hide the modest bearer from unwanted glances.
This blue silk parasol from the 1860s has supportive ribs of whalebone, a lightweight alternative before the use of steel became universal. The 'L' shaped ivory handle is plain, not carved, a trend that reflects the decline of the quality of Chinese carving in the wake of the Opium wars. The handle is inscribed with the owner's name 'Mrs Musgrave' and is topped with a gold ring. The cover is held shut when not in use, by a band with a ring and mother-of-pearl button, this is positioned roughly a third of the way up the cover enabling it to be tightly wrapped.