<b>Object Type</b><br>This patterned dress silk could have been chosen by a male or a female customer, since in this period its pattern would have been considered suitable for both sexes. Such a silk might have been used for a woman's gown, a man's waistcoat or his nightgown, worn informally at home. We know that in this case it came from a woman's gown or petticoat, as it still has some of its original trimming attached.<br><br><b>Materials & Making</b><br>The fairly complicated woven structure of this silk is highlighted with brocading. The technique of brocading allowed different colours to be introduced into the pattern of a fabric in specific, sometimes very small areas. It was a more laborious process for the weaver than using patterning wefts running from selvedge to selvedge, but the resulting effect could be much more varied and lively.Dress fabric of brocaded silk damask, Spitalfields, London, 1712-1715British Galleries:
This panel came from a dress and still has some of its original trimming attached. The pattern of the silk is repeated across its width but it is made to appear more complex by using different colours for the same motifs. [27/03/2003]Dress fabric of brocaded silk damask. Cream damask ground with one yellow pattern weft, and the other colours are brocaded. Tissue with the pattern bound in 3/1/ twill and damask based on a satin of 8. Two repeats in the width of the material. Selvedge is one green satin stripe and 5 cords. Asymmetrical lace pattern with some details brocaded. Colours are deep pink, deep blue, green, tan, salmon and mid blue.