A "short stay"

Ladies' undergarment from the 19th century, sometimes referred to as a "short stay". The camisole is lavishly decorated with lace, crochet ribbons and flowers, and buttoned on the side with tiny hooks. This item of lingerie belonged to and was presumably worn by the donor's grandmother and great-grandmother. The family originated in Poland, migrated to England, and around 1914 migrated to Australia, arriving with practically nothing. There is nothing essentially Jewish about this item, but it is a relic of an era when dress generally (and lingerie in particular) was elaborate and lavish, with silk and lace.