Rare, unusual and interesting antique costumes and textiles; for museums and collectors looking for that extra special piece, for new and established collectors and for those with a modest budget who want to adorn their person or home.

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Spitalfields Brocade Skirt
early 1740s

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.


Cataloguing

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


Condition

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.


Comments

There are many similar skirts in museum collections.



https://collections.lacma.org/node/213854