Possibly made in Europe, Asia, Africa or Australia by members of the Jandaschewsky family while on tour

These costumes were probably used in one of the Jandaschewsky's tableau vivant. These date from the troupe's early years of performing but by the first world war were losing their appeal.

These suits were probably used as part of a tableau vivant, or living picture, which was characteristic of the Jandaschewskys performance in the early years. These were substantial reconstructions of historic or mythic events and included perfomances such as the Sino-Japanese war, the Boer War and the Sculptor's Studio. Guillaume designed and directed these performances and may well have made the costumes as well. Such acts went out of fashion in the 1900s as the cinema provided an even more realistic image of significant events. These costumes may come from an act known as 'Alexander the Great'.
The Jandaschewsky family collection was kept together by the last remaining family member, Arthur 'Jandy' Jandaschewsky. During the last years of his life 'Jandy' sold the collection to his friend John Anastasiadis. Mr Anastasiadis kept the collection for a 25 year period, having built a repository for housing and exhibiting it at his own home. In 1994 he sold the collection to the MAAS in order to keep it together, and in New South Wales, according to 'Jandy's' wishes.

Costumes (4), circus, women's tunic dresses, satin/cotton/metal, Jandaschewsky family, place unknown, 1890-1920
Four tunic dresses, ancient-greek in style, short-sleeved short flared dress made of cream synthetic material. Fastened with press-studs down the wearer's right side. A design of 3 gold thread horizontal bars adorn the front with gold metallic tassles and decorated blue/gold/white buttons at both ends. Another gold bar crosses the shoulders with a gold button at either side of the neck. A band of gold thread rims the neckline, sleeves, bodice & hem. The sleeves are lined with scarlet satin and the body of the dress with white cotton [calico]. The skirt is unlined. 3 of the dresses are marked with the initials of the wearer.
(-2) marked with the initial "J"
(-3) marked with the initial "B"
(-4) marked with "Dolly".

Made: Jandaschewsky family; ; 1890 - 1920

Used: Jandaschewsky, Guillaume; Europe

Used: Jandaschewsky family; Europe

Owned: Jandaschewsky family;

Owned: Jandaschewsky, Arthur 'Jandy';

Owned: Anastasiadis, John;

see parts

95/28/17

1890 - 1920