- Image reference 2006AK4644
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Jacket
- Place of origin:
Great Britain (made)
- Date:
1600-1625 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Linen, hand-sewn and embroidered with silk thread
- Credit Line:
Given by A Soloman
- Museum number:
919-1873
- Gallery location:
In store
Embroidered jackets were popular items of dress for women in the early 17th century. This very simple unlined example represents an informal style. Unlike more fitted versions, this loose, unshaped jacket may have been worn during pregnancy. A repeating pattern of curving scrolls covers the linen from which spring pea pods, oak leaves, acorns, borage, strawberries and honeysuckle embroidered in coloured silks. This uniquely English style of embroidery evolved in the late 16th century, inspired by wood cut illustrations in published herbals. The embroidery includes chain, stem, satin, trellis, darning and plaited braid stitches, as well as couching of the metal threads. Sleeves and sides are embroidered together with a laced insertion stitch in two shades of green instead of a conventionally sewn seam.
