Gown Fragment, Chinese Silk Damask

Date1750-1770

OriginAsia, China; worn in America, Delaware

MediumSilk damask

DimensionsSelvage width: 29" OL: 35" Vertical repeat 23 3/4"; horizontal repeat 9 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1970-10

DescriptionFragment of buff colored silk damask, once a gown, woven in a pattern of small-scale repeating flowers and leaves, alternating in horizontal rows, with three motifs per selvage width. All rows of one motif turn right, the other motifs turn left, in reciprocal arrangement. Both sides retain the selvages with brown ribbed outer edges and rust-red and white satin stripes; the selvages are marked with repeating holes from temples used in weaving. Top and bottom cut edges.
MarkingsHoles in selvages, indicating Chinese manufacture. See notes.
ProvenanceAccording to family tradition (file letter from Mrs. Wilfred Bancroft, Jr., Feb. 6, 1970) the damask belonged to John McKinly, (1721-1796), Governor of Delaware. It descended in the Richardson family, from Jane Richardson (1727-1805), Governor McKinly's wife.