Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1855
MediumHand-stitched silk, glazed cotton, unidentified boning, brass hooks and eyes, silk ribbon, cotton lace, and fringe
DimensionsBodice (center back length x width across shoulders): 16 x 14 1/2in. (40.6 x 36.8cm)
Skirt (length): 43in. (109.2cm)
Hem (circumference): 160in. (406.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. John O. Flasch
Object number1954.23.2a-d
DescriptionChocolate brown and beige silk brocade day dress, consisting of a separate bodice and skirt. The bodice (.a) is styled with a pointed waist at center front and V-shaped decoration from center front, over the shoulders, to the center back waist, emphasizing the dropped shoulderline. This decoration is made of beige silk brocade ribbon with reddish-brown silk pompoms, over brown silk fringe. The bodice closes at center front with brass hooks and eyes. The bodice is fitted with two diagonal darts extending vertically from the waistline. These darts were originally boned. The side seams retain their boning. The neckline is high and round; it is piped, as are the armscyes and waistline. The Honiton lace collar is possibly original. The sleeves are set smoothly into the armscyes, and extend straight for about 4 1/2 inches. The sleeves are then flared into a bell shape, with the decorative ribbon stitched at the top and around the lower edge of the bell. The top of the sleeve is lined with glazed brown cotton; the bottom of the sleeve is lined with brown plain-woven silk.
The skirt (.b) is very full; it is cartridge-pleated all the way around the waistband. It is completely lined with glazed tan cotton. The bottom of the skirt is edged with brown twill-woven wool tape. The skirt has lost its closing mechanism (probably hooks and eyes) at the waistband.
(.c & .d) Undersleeves of carrickmacross lace (fine white cotton appliquéd over net).
The skirt (.b) is very full; it is cartridge-pleated all the way around the waistband. It is completely lined with glazed tan cotton. The bottom of the skirt is edged with brown twill-woven wool tape. The skirt has lost its closing mechanism (probably hooks and eyes) at the waistband.
(.c & .d) Undersleeves of carrickmacross lace (fine white cotton appliquéd over net).
Status
Not on view
