Banyan
DateCa. 1730; remade late 19th century
OriginEngland
MediumBrocaded silk "lampas," glazed linen lining; "thread" buttons.
DimensionsOL: 44" Selvage width of fabric 19" Shoulder width, back: 15"
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg
Object number1991-556
DescriptionMan's banyan with attached waistcoat fronts made of brown and pink lampas with brown sub-pattern of leaves and flowers, brocaded with blue and cream flowers. Garment has high neckline with narrow buttoned band (and later silk and gauze white collar bands,) buttoning down the front with 20 buttons (functional, cut buttonholes), worked in both sides, giving double-breasted effect. Long cuffed sleeves curving over elbows. Side pleated fullness trimmed with two buttons, with full skirts. Collarless waistcoat fronts are sewn into underarm seams and at the shoulders. Waistcoat has 20 thread buttons and 20 cut open buttonholes. Shaped pocket flaps on waistcoat fronts cover functional linen pockets. Back has center seam opening into deep center back vent 22 1/2" from waist to hem. Garment entirely lined with brown glazed coarse linen. Deep pockets entered from inside of garment, forward of the side vents.
