This is a fine example of a woman's formal gown from the early 1760s. It illustrates the popularity of imported painted silks and the influence of Chinoiserie on dress. The width of the silk, 28&1/2 inches or 72.5 cm, and the use of coloured threads in the selvedge indicate that the silk was woven in China. It was most likely painted there, in a very westernised floral pattern. The sack and petticaot for a wide square hoop indicates formal daywear. The buttoned stomacher and waist seam are typical of the 1760s while the triple sleeve ruffle is more typical of the 1750s and therefore reinforces its formality.