Images(2)

Gown

Date1740-1760; remade ca. 1780

OriginAsia, China (textile); worn in America or England

MediumSilk damask; plain-woven linen bodice lining; coarser linen sleeve linings.

DimensionsOL: 60"; Waist: 33" if pinned over about 1/2";Silk width 28 3/4"; Silk vert. repeat: 19"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1987-5

DescriptionWoman's gown of buff-color silk damask in undulating floral and leaf pattern with spiky leaves. Gown bodice, pieced up, has low squared neckline meeting in edge closure; slightly raised waistline. Fitted sleeves curve over elbow, ending just beneath elbow, without ruffles or cuffs. Back bodice has curved sewn- down pleats ending in deep peak at center back where full skirt ( not cut in one with bodice) is pleated to bodice in 1/2" deep pleats (with 1/4" showing on top of pleats). Skirt, made of 3 full and two partial panels, is faced at hem with silk ribbon. One piece of silk at the bodice front has horizontal woven line indicating end of bolt. Selvages have ribbed outer edges with brownish-red and brown satin stripes; temple holes present. Photograph is shown from back.
MarkingsTemple holes in selvages indicating Chinese manufacture