Waistcoat

Date1825-1850

MediumRibbed silk embroidered with silk; cotton front linings; replaced cotton back; steel buckle.

DimensionsOL: 22"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. James Holness

Object number1971-455

DescriptionSleeveless waistcoat with a floral design embroidered to shape, primarily in purples, dark brown and yellow floss silks in floral design on ivory ribbed silk ground. Floral design is concentrated on collar, down fronts, on front hems, and on pocket flaps; remainder of fronts embellished with tiny sprigs. Standing collar. Waistcoat is short and has five embroidered buttons stitched to an extension of the right front. Shaped pocket flaps without functional pockets. Lined with cotton. Cotton back belted with steel buckle.Label TextThis waistcoat was worn with a gentleman's formal suit in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. At that date, formal suits were old-fashioned in their styling: men attending formal functions still wore dark wool coats and knee-length breeches with embroidered waistcoats, all styled after eighteenth-century fashions.ProvenanceOwned by donor's family and donated on behalf of Mrs. Holness by cousin Kennith Chorley. See corresp. in file.