The chatelaine was considered a functional wardrobe item that accompanied people for centuries. This item, known since the Middle Ages, performed not only a practical role, but also symbolized the status of its owner.
These accessories were used by both men and women, and although they could differ depending on gender, their main function was to store keys and other small items needed in everyday life.
Chatelaines first appeared in the Middle Ages, when their main function was to keep important items at hand - keys, scissors, sewing accessories and other tools. At that time, they were simple chains attached to the belt, with hooks for hanging various items.
Men used chatelaines to store pocket watches and keys, while women, especially housewives, wore them as a symbol of control over the house. The housewife, who had all the keys, was responsible for the order and safety of family valuables. Thus, the chatelaine became a status symbol, expressing the position of a woman in the family and her responsibilities.
The 18th and 19th centuries became the heyday of such accessories. During this period, their functionality was combined with exquisite design, which made them an important part of the wardrobe not only as a utilitarian item, but also as an ornament. Often, it was a belt in the form of a chain, to which other chains were attached at a certain distance, on which various small items hung: keys, watches, scissors, seals, lorgnettes, needle cases and other items.
Men often wore chatelaines for pocket watches, where the chain served not only to attach the watch, but also to wind it, thanks to the built-in key. Women, in addition to traditional tools for housekeeping, often added elements for personal care or communication - for example, miniature notebooks or magnifying glasses.
Often, the more complex and rich the decor of the chatelaine, the higher the social rank of its owner. Made of gold or silver and decorated with precious stones, it indicated wealth and high status. They were often custom-made and created according to special sketches.
The beginning of the 20th century was a time of changing fashion trends and functions of chatelaines. Simplification of clothing and the use of new technologies for storage and organization led to the fact that they lost their practical significance. At the same time, they did not disappear completely - they began to be perceived more as objects of art and collectibles.
Source:
theleatherboutique.in
metmuseum.org
