I'm sure many of you remember visiting grandma's house and she had quaint little three-piece crocheted sets of protective yet decorative doilies carefully placed on her chairs and couch, one on the headrest and one on each arm rest. There is a name for these sets, and it's "antimacassars". Some of you have heard it before, no doubt, and to others it will sound completely foreign.
I remember watching the Looney Tunes cartoons, and I'm quite sure Tweety Bird's owner had antimacassars on her chairs, but I couldn't find any images to prove it. Maybe you can....
If we examine the word for a moment, "macassar" must be something that's bad, hence the prefix "anti". Actually, "macassar" was a hair oil bottled in Indonesia that men used to achieve that slick look that was popular for many years beginning in the Victorian era, circa 1850. Women also used it to condition their long tresses. It was responsible for many ruined theatre seats, and is still used in some countries. In fact, Navy uniforms were fashioned with the white washable bib to protect the wool from macassar oil. I suppose airlines still use a paper version of it today on their seats, don't they?
Often the antimacassar sets will get separated over the years, and you will come across an odd looking rectangular piece in a pile of crocheted bits or box of linens. Now you'll know what it might be: an armrest or headrest from an antimacassar set!
I hope you learned something today. If you're new to my blog, every Wednesday I'm doing an educational post in what I call an "easy-to-digest" (short) format. Keep following along, and you'll be an antiques expert before you know it!
Mitzi
Wow Mitzi. As I am a vintage linens dealer I know what antimacassars are. I also collect antique trade cards. Thanks to you, I now know about Rowland's Macassar Oil. Great Post. Thanks for the great info! Christine
Posted by: Vintage Linens | 11/30/2011 at 07:50 AM
Oh my gosh??? The doilies used on chairs actually have a name??? (and yes, my friend, Granny/Sylvester/Tweety, definately had a few on her chair... wink!).
If you don't mind, I think I'll share this bit of history with my class on Friday... I teach Junkyard Art... I like to insert bits of quirky information throughout the class!!!
Snow?! Yes... in our area just an inch or so.
Happy Wednesday!!
Mich @ smile, wink, nod!
Posted by: Mich in Mich | 11/30/2011 at 07:53 AM
What a fun bit of trivia on the origins of the name! Can you imagine giving a lecture to everyone the next time you're on a plane? :)
Posted by: Felicia Kramer | 11/30/2011 at 08:42 AM
Mitzi, that is so incredibly interesting. I was familiar with the doilies on some of the old chairs I had seen, but never knew there was an actual name for them. Love your series. I'll be back to learn more. Amy
Posted by: Amy | 11/30/2011 at 10:35 AM
such a great big name for such items! i learn something from you every wednesday! thanks! how are you liking the 10 inches of snow? my daughter in g.r. didn't get a flake. that's a first!
Posted by: sharon | 11/30/2011 at 07:59 PM
Hi Mitzi!
I really enjoyed the lesson. I did know what antimacassars were but didn't know why they were called that...so thanks!
I've also been playing catch up with some of your posts I've missed, and loved the ones on books! I ADORE books old and new! But the old leather books really speak to me. *winks* You have a lovely collection! Vanna
Posted by: Vanna | 11/30/2011 at 10:42 PM
What a lovely chair! I've bought my Grandma's rocking chair (an antique) one at this site -- http://www.coollectors.com/ my Grandma really love my gift so much that she always bake my fave cookies everytime I visit our hometown! I love you Grandma!! =)
Posted by: Bridgette Sundell | 12/01/2011 at 12:11 AM
Now I know why that are called that Thanks Mitzi.
Posted by: Nelly | 12/01/2011 at 01:58 AM
My pleasure, Nelly!
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 12/01/2011 at 05:12 AM
Hi Sharon!
Im glad you are enjoying my educational posts. The snow is great, because I didnt have to go to work yesterday (I have a day job for a school district). Its nice when we have a snow day!
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 12/01/2011 at 05:21 AM
Hi Felicia,
I usually avoid talking to people on a plane, but now at least I have a topic.....
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 12/01/2011 at 10:49 AM
Hi Christine,
Thanks for taking the time to write such a nice note at this busy time of year. I just love vintage linens, and I visited your lovely Etsy shop.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 12/02/2011 at 02:37 PM