Chasuble

The chasuble was the outer liturgical garment of the priest and chasuble consisted of three sections – the shoulderpiece, body and tail. Chasubles were traditionally sewn from rich imported cloths – Italian and Spanish velvet or Persian and Chinese brocade.

The long mantle with a hole for the head symbolised the sackcloth worn by Jesus Christ during the Flagellation. The bell-shaped form of the chasuble gradually changed over time. The front grew much shorter than the back. The shoulderpiece became firmer and higher and was decorated with ornamental embroidery.