Exquisite 1920s piece has some of the most phenomenal bead work I have yet to see. The base of the dress is a heavy weighted silk in a matte black. It is in remarkable condition with no flaws. Onto this has been beaded a Asian influenced design using fantastic couture level bead work. The beads are† applied in thick designs with some parts of the pattern sitting almost a full half an inch off the fabric! It is all hand applied and you can see the thread work on the back with most threads matching the color of beads that were applied on the front side. Its really an amazing piece of art! One side an a deep deep V - this was most likely the back as was the fashion of the day but it is cut so that i can be worn either way. The other side has a simple scooped bodice and the skirt has a cut away - this would have been worn over a semi sheer or sheer colored under dress - you can let you imagination run wild in matching yours to the colors in the bead work. The neck and arms are lined in a brilliant purple triple row of bead work to finish. It is quite weighty due to the extensive beading and really a extraordinary piece. Strong and wearable with the care and love it deserves to be shown - this is one of the best 1920s pieces I have ever seen. The level of work in this piece would only be found in the highest couture of today! Museum quality.