Gown Fragment

Date1780-1800

MediumSilk gauze, hand painted and outlined with silver.

DimensionsOW: 85" x 46"; Selvage width 29"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1995-34,A

DescriptionFragment of woman's gown skirt or petticoat consisting of cream color Chinese silk gauze, hand painted and silvered in a design of scrolling vines, green leaves, pink, lavender, blue and orange flowers, and twining tendrils. Fragmentary skirt consists of three panels seamed at selvages; one panel is shorter than the other two; central panel has pocket slit cut into it. Panels have long stitched tucks at top, possibly repairs, and torn areas at stitching. Bottom hemmed with 1/4" turned hem. Selvages are plain weave without stripes, woven in the same color as the gauze, with temple holes. White underpaint is evident.
MarkingsTemple holes in selvages.
ProvenanceNot known. worn in England or America