Textile Fragment, Martha Washington

Date18th century

OriginEngland (textile); worn in America

MediumSilk

DimensionsTriangular 1 1/2"; framed: 3 7/8" X 2"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Casenove G. Lee

Object number1970-175

DescriptionIvory silk woven in a weft rib with self-color warp decoration-- one minute raveling shows a tan silk which might indicate that the scrap came from a brocaded textile. Is much too small to analyze or catalog. Mounted by stitching to paper which is inscribed.Label TextTextile Fragment
Probably Britain, eighteenth century, early twentieth-century frame
Silk stitched to paper
G1970-175, gift of Mrs. Cazenove G. Lee
According to the inscription, this fragment comes from one of Martha Washington's ball gowns.
Mark(s)Inscribed on paper in frame: "a piece of Martha Washington's ball dress".ProvenanceScrap is said to have been a piece of Martha Washington's ball dress.