Banyan

Date1790-1830

OriginEurope, Netherlands, Holland (probably)

MediumBlock-printed cotton with linen lining.

DimensionsOL: 52 1/2"; Back shoulder W between seams: 15 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1993-66

DescriptionMan's knee-length banyan, or gown, with attached waistcoat fronts, made of twill cotton block-printed in three browns and cream with pencil blue in a design of elongated triangular shaped within ogee frames. High turn-down collar. Front is double breasted and made to button with self-covered buttons over either side across single-breasted waistcoat fronts with welted functional pockets. Long sleeves end in stitched-down cuffs and two buttoned vents. Center back vent to the waist. Pockets on rear hip area have elongated welt set vertically inside pleats. Striped tabby linen linings, blue and white. Sleeves lined with white tabby linen.
Label TextMen's banyans, or gowns, were loose garments for casual wear during the day or before a man formally dressed. This example has waistcoat fronts attached at the side seams, which eliminated the fitted waistcoat back. This made the banyan more comfortable without sacrificing appearance.
ProvenanceEx. Coll: Historish Kostuum Museum, Utrecht.