Zibellini

Zibellini

1557 "Bianca Ponzoni Anguissola"

by Sofonisba Anguissola

(Staatliche Museen zu Berlin)

What is a zibellino?  A zibellino (pl. zibellini) was a full-body pelt worn as a fashion accessory by stylish ladies in the 1500s, most commonly in Northern Italy.  They used sable or marten pelts most often, but ermine, mink, and even lynx were also used.  Zibellini frequently had gold or silver heads and feet, and there is also mention of artisans using jet or crystal instead of metal!  Regardless of the material used, they were usually encrusted with jewels and sometimes enamelwork.  Sometimes zibellini are called "flea furs" on the mistaken assumption that ladies wore these furs to attract the fleas away from themselves and onto the furs...this is a myth, as no flea would leave a nice, warm, food-filled body for an empty pelt!  Besides, if you were a rich lady, would you want to advertise your personal cleanliness issues to the masses?  No, zibellini were worn for high fashion, not personal hygiene!

Your zibellino will be made to order. You get to choose your:

Type of fur*: I always have mink and/or marten on hand.  Also, I will occasionally have fox and sable pelts available as well.

Color of "metal":  My zibie's heads and feet are made of a durable polymer clay, which is much lighter weight and economical than real gold or silver.  You have your choice of gold, silver, copper, black, or pearl.  Other colors available upon request.

Decorations: Gold or silver filigree and your choice of crystal colors for the collar, eyes and overall ornamentation.  (Actual layout of decoration will be up to my discretion.)

The first zibellino I made is shown at left.  He was made using an American Marten pelt.  Click here to see more pictures of my first zibie and here for more portraits showing them in use and extant heads.

*Wondering which fur to choose?  Well, you'll notice that my zibellini's prices will vary depending on which fur you choose and, sometimes, what color.  This is due to the cost of the pelts themselves:  mink tend to be the least costly, marten and fox are in the mid to upper mid-range, and true sables are very expensive!  Partly to keep my costs down (so they're more affordable for you!), all my pelts are from vintage sources and are not "new"...new pelts are MUCH more expensive!  However, I make sure all my pelts are in good condition and I don't use furs that have been (to my knowledge) in a smoking home.  If there are any imperfections, it will be noted in the description (the most common being a missing or half-tail) and I will make an allowance for that in the price.  Unless noted otherwise, all mink pelts only have their rear feet.

Click on the links below to see pictures of the pelts I have in stock, along with the prices for a custom zibellino: