This is wonderful brocaded silk with a tobine pattern, an intricate damask underlying the colourful brocade, created by an extra warp thread. The petticoat had been unpicked at the waist and I have had a expert sewer, who works on period dress, return it to a skirt. It could be displayed with a plainer carcao (pet-en-l'air) or bodice.
The ivory silk damask woven with slim waving lines in alternating directions, the lower section behind the polychrome brocade more intricately woven with larger bending leaf sprays, a variety of sprays flowers emerging from one stem, the hem with swags of leaves and flowers, in shades of pink, blue, puce and green, a fine Chinese silk lining extending half way up the skirt.
Waist to hem 37 in; 94 cm
Circumference 14 ft; 4.2 m
Silk width 21 in; 54 cm s to s. 8 complete widths.
Silk lining 17 in; 44 cm from top to hem
Excellent. Ther are a few markings near the top of the skirt, so ask for photos. I would imagine a textile conservator might be able to remove these or reduce them. The hem is slightly grubby. The waistband is new tape.
There are many similar skirts in museum collections.
https://collections.lacma.org/node/213854
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