Yellow silk damask fragment

Status

Not on view

Datec. 1750

Medium/TechniqueSilk

DimensionsOverall: 2 9/16 in. × 3 3/8 in. (6.51 cm × 8.57 cm)

Credit LineMount Vernon Collection

Object numberW-499/B

DescriptionThis yellow silk achieves a damask effect through a lampas weave: on the obverse, the motif shows the plain woven side while the ground shows the satin woven side, while on the reverse the opposite is true. The plain weave is warp faced, as is the 3/1 satin weave. The yarns are S-spun, and a slight ribbing is achieved by the use of thick warps.

The design features semi-naturalistic florals with geometric motifs, such as zig-zags and triangles, filling in the petals and other elements. The ground between the motif is filled with a diaper patterning in imitation of lace.

The fragment has a selvedge on the right edge showing three green stripes. The right bottom corner is folded to the back.

Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.