TIGER TWINS

This exquisite coat is crafted from an antique buggy or carriage blanket, also known as a lap robe for sleigh rides or open carriage journeys. Made by the Chase Company in New York between 1890 and 1920, these blankets were primarily composed of luxurious mohair, wool blends, and horsehair. This incredible coat transcends mere clothing to become a visionary piece of art, steeped in history and symbolism.

Prominently featured on both sides of the coat are twin tigers, their beautiful pelts rendered in rich golds, browns, blacks, yellows, and creams. In true Chase Company fashion, artificial eyes are incorporated to imbue the tigers with personality and character, enhancing the life-like representation. During the Victorian age, flowers and animals were imbued with symbolic meaning, and the tiger was no exception. Representing strength, courage, power, and purity, these magnificent creatures are intertwined with primal fear and revered in cultural lore as potent forces to be reckoned with. A lady who wears this coat embodies fierceness and power, exuding both strength and elegance.

The sleeves of the coat are constructed from solid black wool, a nod to the original blanket, while seamlessly continuing the vibrant patterns of the bodice. Beneath the tiger pelts, striking turquoise colors emerge, contributing to the coat’s dynamic allure. Each sleeve cuff is adorned with pompom passementerie in rich wine and gold hues, echoing the coat’s opulence. This same decorative trim also encircles the oversized Puritan-style collar, enhancing its whimsical appeal.

The back of this stunning treasure unfolds like a kaleidoscope of colors and imagination. Whimsical climbing roses create a beautiful stained glass window effect, with vibrant pink and red blooms interwoven to form a stunning tapestry of floral artistry. This enchanting imagery suggests that the large cats are protectors of a house, a garden gate, or even a heart, adding layers of narrative to the coat.

The oversized collar features exquisite pink and red flowers on either side, with the back of the collar also trimmed in sumptuous gold pompom passementerie. Inside, the coat is lined with a shimmery chartreuse fabric that catches the light beautifully, with tiny pompom passementerie hand-sewn at the bottom in black, gold, and bisque. The inner lining of the hem showcases a rugged iridescent fabric, shimmering in golds, browns, and greens, creating a rich, textured experience that complements the coat's overall allure.