Waistcoat
Date1740-1755
OriginEngland or Europe
MediumSilk and metal threads brocaded to shape or "form"; linen back; silk tabby lining; hemp or coarse linen inner lining; paper under metal threads forming buttonholes.
DimensionsOL: 34 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg
Object number1991-477
DescriptionMan's collarless and sleeveless waistcoat of blue silk, brocaded to shape or "to form" with silver metallic threads and colored silks in red, cream, and acid greens. Design consists of dense undulating scrolls, flowers, and leaves concentrated down fronts, continuing at bottom hems, and on pocket flaps. Remaining portions of front woven in background pattern of modified diamonds created by scrollwork with regularly spaced metallic lily or trumpet-shaped spots. Buttons missing. Metallic edged buttonholes worked down front through paper stiffening under the stitching. Linen back and coarse linen inner lining.