Gown

Date1740-1760 (silk); remodeled in 1770s

OriginAsia, China (silk); worn in America, New York

MediumSilk damask, linen lining

DimensionsOL: approx. 60"; Waist: 27" Textile Width: 29 1/4"; Vert. repeat: 24"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1985-143,1

DescriptionGown of silk damask in scrolling floral pattern of orange and greenish- gold. Gown has low rounded neckline, edge-to-edge front closure, and back bodice pleats sewn down the length of the center back, with the central pleat extending in one piece with the skirt. Sleeves end in cuffs at elbow. Skirt is pleated to bodice in small pleats of 1/4" to 1/2' deep. Skirt is made of three fabric widths, open at front to reveal the petticoat . Loops sewn to inside of skirt allow skirt to be drawn up. Silk has the characteristic holes in the selvages from the temple bar used in weaving wider Chinese silks. Selvages have ribbed outer edges of greenish-gold, striped with dark blue and white satin stripes. Linings have thread counts of 50 x 50 and 36 x 44 threads per inch.
Image shown is the back view.
Label TextThis two-color damask is typical of Chinese export silks in its use of three pattern repeats between the selvages and its 29 1/4" width. The textile trade in the eighteenth century was international in scope. Although the damask in this gown was made in China, the gown was worn in New York.
MarkingsTemple holes in selvages, indicating Chinese manufacture.
ProvenanceWorn by Mary Lynch, married Egbert Benjamin Egberts, 1740, New York. Deaccessioned from New York Historical Society.