Susan reporting:
If you're not a re-enactor or costume historian, you'll likely be puzzled by exactly what these photographs show. Not quite underwear, not quite an accessory, these would be instantly recognized by a wide range of women from the past, from ladies at Queen Elizabeth I's 16th c. court to sailors' sweethearts in 19th c. New England. They're called busks. Varying in length from between approximately 12"-16" and an inch or two wide, their purpose was to offer an additional reinforcement to the shaping garment of the day - whether a pair of bodies (16th c.), stays (17th-18th c.), or corset (19th c.)
Too modern eyes, they appear phenomenally uncomfortable. The busk was inserted into a special narrow pocket in the front of the corset, and tied in place with ribbons. Busks generally ran from the breasts to the top of the pubic bone. The busk was supposed to keep the posture straight and upright, as well as helping to keep the breasts elevated and the belly flat. The longest, most extreme, examples must also have made sitting a challenge.
Busks were made of wood, metal, ivory, or bone. Some were purely functional, but others were beautifully decorated, a private luxury like lace-trimmed lingerie today. Given their intimate purpose - and where they lay on a woman's body - busks were also erotically charged, and could be a special gift between lovers. Hearts and cupids are favorite motifs.
Some of the most elaborate busks were created by 19th c. sailors on New England whaling ships for their sweethearts back home. These scrimshaw busks, made from carved whalebone, featured images drawn from the creator's imagination or from 19th c. magazine illustrations, and helped pass the long hours at sea, doubtless with pleasing thoughts of how the recipient would wear the gift.
Sometimes the connection to a lover is obvious. A metal busk worn by the 17th c. French princess Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orleans, Duchesse de Montpensier, carried this message: "How I envy you the happiness that is yours, resting softly on her ivory white breast. Let us divide between us, if you please, this glory. You will be here the day and I shall be there the night."* Please click on the images to enlarge them to see the detail.
Top: Busk, 18th c. France, metal, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Middle: Busk, 17th c. France, ivory, Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of us -- 
5 comments:
I can understand corsets, but I never have been able to get busks, which are basically extra-long rulers strapped to your front so you can't bend over. No thank you!
I think busks make plenty sense. More often than not, if in a corset or stays, that extra firm support in the front helps things feel more comfortable. Any bendy qualities in front of the corset end up causing more discomfort in the long run. That firm hold of a very sturdy and supportive corset can be quite pleasant, especially if it fits perfectly.
These are beautiful busks. I love the idea of something so personal and sensual being a part of a woman's treasures at the time. And as gifts for lovers! Excellent.
Busks are an essential part of most corsets (these type were replaced in the Victorian era by the 2-part metal ones that open and are more familiar to most modern readers). Without them, the corset might buckle and wrinkle, which is FAR more uncomfortable, believe me.
The erotic meaning of busks (not to mention the symbolism of having a long, phallic object pointing at the lady's crotch) appears in sixteenth through eighteenth century bawdy literature, too, where women occasionally use busks as boudoir weapons for laughs. Also, those dangerous Renaissance ladies in Italy (Lucrezia Borgia, etc.) were known to tuck a stiletto beneath their busks, using the pocket as a knife sheath.
Great examples shown, btw.
I am glad to hear from those of you who have actually worn a busk and can report on first-hand-busk-wearing - and I'll happily defer to your experience. I've only worn full-boned stays, none with a busk, so I'll take your word that they're comfortable!
And yes, I agree that what makes these busks so memorable is their decoration. I love that so much effort/cost went into making something that was usually hidden so beautiful. Very private art and pleasure....
Post a Comment