Wool Textile, Brocaded Damask

Date1760-1775

MediumWorsted

Dimensions18 1/2" W x 39 1/2" L

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-359,3

DescriptionThis is a rectangular Norwich worsted damask: blue worsted warp, white worsted weft in satin damask weave in a design of floral motifs with broad ribbon laces forming compartments around brocaded floral patterns in bright shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, scarlet, serise, and mustard-gold.
Label TextNorwich, England was famous for very fine wool textiles, collectively called “Norwich stuffs.” They were made of worsted fibers (long-staple combed wool yarns) woven in various weave structures and patterned to resemble silks, yet they had the warmth and durability of wool. Norwich stuffs were used for both dress and home furnishings during the period. They went by a number of different names including calimanco and tapizado.