Pink and brown stripe gown fragment

Status

Not on view

Date1770-1800

Medium/TechniqueSilk

DimensionsOverall: 1 1/2 in. × 3 3/4 in. (3.81 cm × 9.53 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mary Jane Straka, 1992

Object numberW-3604

DescriptionThe fabric features a 4/1 warp-faced satin weave in a striped patter 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 is pressed back on the right edge 1/4 inch. Additionally, there is a pleat creased into the left. The top and bottom edges show some unraveling.

The piece is accompanied by a note claiming that it was a part of Martha Washington's marriage bed, but the design is inconsistent with furnishing fabric.

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.