Nightcap thumbnail 1
Nightcap thumbnail 2
+3
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Nightcap

1600-1624 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This nightcap is an example of informal headwear for a wealthy man. Headwear was an significant part of dress in the 17th century, for reasons of both fashion and warmth, and although nightcaps were only worn around the home, they could be, like this example, very luxurious. Its rich decoration includes metal spangles (the 17th century term for sequins), silver thread embroidery and silver-gilt bobbin lace which would have reflected the light of candles and fire-places.

The nightcap's pattern of flowers, strawberries, and leaves is typical of the early 17th century. Many embroidery designs were inspired by the botanical picture books popular at the time. By the 1620s patterns specifically for embroidery were being published, often with their designs specially adapted for the shape of the nightcap.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen, embroidered with silver-gilt, silver and silk thread, trimmed with silver-gilt bobbin lace
Brief description
Man's nightcap of embroidered linen, 1600-1624, English; Coloured silks, silver-gilt and silver thread
Physical description
A man's nightcap with floral designs.
Gallery label
Man's nightcap. English; first quarter 17th century. Linen embroidered with silver-gilt and silver thread, and silk in detached buttonhole, plaited braid, satin, chain and speckling stitches with couched work, knots and spangles. Trimmed with silver-gilt bobbin lace.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This nightcap is an example of informal headwear for a wealthy man. Headwear was an significant part of dress in the 17th century, for reasons of both fashion and warmth, and although nightcaps were only worn around the home, they could be, like this example, very luxurious. Its rich decoration includes metal spangles (the 17th century term for sequins), silver thread embroidery and silver-gilt bobbin lace which would have reflected the light of candles and fire-places.

The nightcap's pattern of flowers, strawberries, and leaves is typical of the early 17th century. Many embroidery designs were inspired by the botanical picture books popular at the time. By the 1620s patterns specifically for embroidery were being published, often with their designs specially adapted for the shape of the nightcap.
Bibliographic reference
John Lea Nevinson, Catalogue of English Domestic Embroidery of the Sixteenth & Seventeenth Centuries, Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Textiles, London: HMSO, 1938, p.85, plate LXIV a 2
Collection
Accession number
2016-1899

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest