- Image reference 2006AC7161
- Enlarge image
Nightcap
- Place of origin:
England (made)
- Date:
1600-1624 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Linen, embroidered with silver-gilt, silver and silk thread, trimmed with silver-gilt bobbin lace
- Museum number:
2016-1899
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 56e, case 9
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.
