Pink and brown stripe gown fragment

Status

Not on view

Date1770-1800

Medium/TechniqueSilk

DimensionsOverall: 3 1/8 in. × 4 3/4 in. (7.94 cm × 12.07 cm)

Credit LineGift of Miss Chapman, 1890

Object numberW-544/A

DescriptionThe fabric features a 4/1 warp-faced satin weave in a striped pattern with a floral pattern done with weft floats. While the warp threads are different colors depending on placement, the weft threads are white all the way across. The warp yarns are slightly S-spun, and while the weft yarns may have originally shown a twist, they now appear to be unspun filament.

The pattern consists of thin, brown stripes alternating with a thicker stripe of maroon on top of which is a white floral vine motif. The pattern repeat is very small, repeating vertically ever 1 3/4 inches and horizontally every 1 9/16 inch. The repeat is a straight repeat rather than a point repeat.

The fragment has a black Z-spun 2-ply S thread in a line of running stitches on the left.

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.