Silk Brocade Document

Date1742-1750

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 44 1/2 x 21in. (113 x 53.3cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 21 3/16in. (21 3/16in.) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 33 1/4 x 21 3/8in. (84.5 x 54.3cm) Physical Description (PPI): 72 Physical Description (EPI): 352

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-137

DescriptionThe rectangular fawn-colored taffeta fragment features a simplistic design of peapods and pea blossoms. Three groups of pods and blossoms ascend across the width of the fabric from left to right and are orient to the right, and then a left oriented group is placed at center before the design repeats. The left edge is held in a selvedge. The selvedge is held in a plain weave and consists of two green and two brown stripes (3/16” wide). From the outside in, there is one thick weft of green and yellow (or the light green used in the brocade); 11 green warps; 10 brown warps; 10 green warps; and 9 brown warps. The top, bottom, and right edges are raw. There is a line of removed machine stitching along each edge. There is also evidence of a hem near the bottom, and three or four stitch lines along the top.
Label TextThis lovely fragment appears to have originally been a skirt panel. There is evidence of it being sewn along the selvedges, and also stitch lines on the top and bottom, where it could have been attached to a waistline and hem, respectively.
MarkingsNo marks or inscriptions.
ProvenanceObtained by dealer Elinor Merrill, New York;
Purchased by CWF, 1954.