Silk Brocade Skirt Panel

Date1745-1749

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 43 x 21 1/8in. (109.2 x 53.7cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 21 1/8in. (53.7cm) Other (Design Repeat): 17 x 21 1/8in. (43.2 x 53.7cm)

Credit LineGift of F. Schumacher and Company.

Object number1978-201

DescriptionThis rectangular cream-colored silk fragment features a design of loosely-strewn bunches of naturalistic flower garlands and stems of a damask-effect ground patterning of large, less naturalistic flowers. The design has a straight repeat, but the blue and yellow flowers alternate colors with each repeat. The design includes roses, flowers with hatched centers, and carnations. The ground patterning design includes round, daisy-like flower chains, lilies, and daffodils. The left and right edges are selvedges. The selvedge is held in a satin weave with one blue stripe. From the outside in, there is one thick warp, which gives the outer edge a corded appearance, then seven white warps and eleven blue warps. The top and bottom edges are raw. There are remnants of basting around all four edges. There is a seam along the top with the allowance pressed upward. Above the seam, the fabric is pieced of 5 separate pieces; the two left-most pieces are not connected so are flaps. They each have one selvedge edge. The seams connecting the other three pieces are pressed to the left.
Label TextThis beautiful skirt panel was found in a private collection in Massachusetts and may have been worn in America.
MarkingsNo marks or inscriptions.
ProvenancePurchased by F. Schumacher & Co. from a private collection, Massachusetts;
Given to CWF, 1978.