Black velvet fragment

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Status

Not on view

Date1790-1800

Medium/TechniqueVelvet

DimensionsOverall: 8 3/4 in. × 7 1/2 in. (22.23 cm × 19.05 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Walter Gibson Peter, Jr. in memory of Agnes Peter Mott, 1975

Object numberW-2685/C

DescriptionThis black velvet has a plain weave base with a supplementary warp cut pile. The fabric is relatively thin and flexible, which may mean that the pile was not significantly think in relation to the base weave structure, but may also be from shedding of the pile. Until synthetic dyes were produced, black was made by mixing multiple dark colors; the involved process would have made this garment more expensive than lighter fabrics of the same weave.

There is evidence of white 2-ply S linen thread. The bottom corner is creased, which may be able to steam out. The shape does not indicate construction so is probably from piecing the fragments.

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