- Image reference 2006BB1741
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Jacket
- Place of origin:
England (made)
- Date:
1630-1640 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Fustian handsewn with linen thread, embroidered with silver thread and spangles, and edged with silver bobbin lace and spangles
- Credit Line:
Purchased with the assistance of The Art Fund
- Museum number:
T.70-2004
- Gallery location:
In store
The high waist and full sleeves set into the back of this jacket are characteristic of women’s dress of the 1630s. The style of embroidery is quite unusual: a striking design of meandering lines rather than the naturalistic floral patterns typically seen on this type of garment. This abstract design is probably imitating the ‘wave and flower’ patterns of Italian woven silks of the 1620s and 1630s. Also unusual is the jacket’s modest fabric; a mix of cotton and linen, called fustian, which was normally used for lining doublets and breeches. The embroidery, however, is carried out in silver thread and embellished with silver bobbin lace and silver spangles.



