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Woman's Cape

RetailerSold by Arnold Constable & Co. American

Dateabout 1880-1885

MediumHand-stitched wool and silk, with silk fringe and ferrous metal hooks and eyes

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width between shoulders): 44 1/2 x 13 3/4in. (113 x 34.9cm)

Credit LineGift of E. F. Waterman

DescriptionWoman's dolman cape made from a Indian paisley shawl, woven in multiple colors, but predominantly red and black. (The motifs of the original shawl were separately woven and then stitched together to create the overall shawl border, which was subsequently used for this cape.) The cape has a standing band collar covered with thick purple chenille and multi-colored silk fringe, which continues down the center front opening and around the bottom fringe. The cape is constructed with a shoulder seam which continues down the front and back, creating an extremely large armhole and a very low-set, short sleeve with a wide arm opening. The sleeve opening is also trimmed with the fringe. The cape is lined with dark red silk satin. A red silk ribbon is stitched inside the center back seam for tying around the waist to keep the cape in place on the body.

Object number1954.20.14

MarkingsWoven tape label inside, "ARNOLD CONSTABLE & CO / NEW YORK" in yellow on black.

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