Waistcoat

Date1770-1780

MediumCotton semi-sheer check over bright pink silk innerlining; silk chain stitch needlework; white tabby cotton lining and back; piecing with tabby linen under arms.

DimensionsOL: 29"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-166

DescriptionMan's waistcoat, collarless and sleeveless, of sheer white 'windowpane' check muslin over solid bright pink silk innerlining, giving the appearance of a pale pink check. Waistcoat is trimmed down fronts, cut-away skirts, and on scalloped pocket flaps with simple floral meander in silk tambour embroidery (rose, coral, brown, green); 14 worked buttonholes and embroidered fabric-covered buttons; lining and back of natural cotton and linen.
Label TextThis waistcoat is made of double textiles consisting of a semi-sheer cotton check laid over a bright pink ground and treated as one textile. Silk chain-stitch embroidery worked through both layers embellishes the fronts and pocket flaps. The embroidery would have been worked to shape on the flat textile surface, before the tailor cut out and stitched the garment.