Waistcoat
Date1775-1790
OriginEngland or Europe
MediumRibbed silk embroidered with silk chain stitches; cotton/linen backing; silk twill and plain-woven cotton/linen linings; interfaced with brown linen and white cotton; linen pockets; sewn with cream silk and linen. Fibers confirmed by microscope 7/31/1998, L. Baumgarten & F. Carr.
DimensionsOL: 28"; chest: approx. 41"; shoulder width 15 1/4" (measured 4" down from neckline)
Credit LineGift of Mr. Richard Parsons
Object number1994-188
DescriptionMan's waistcoat, sleeveless and collarless, embroidered with a delicate pattern of roses, leaves and bows in reds, pinks, greens, and blue on cream silk ground. Embroidered vine extends down fronts and edges the front skirt hems. Front fastens closed with twelve embroidered buttons. Embroidered floral swags and bows are concentrated on the shaped pocket flaps and the area surrounding the pockets. Pockets are functional beneath the shaped flaps. Small-scale sprigs are evenly scattered on the ground silk of the waistcoat fronts. Waistcoat back constructed of linen/cotton. Fronts lined with silk and linen/cotton. Garment shows evidence of being altered.
