Not currently on display at the V&A

Peignoir

1812-1814 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The fabric used in this stylish wrap-over gown is an unusual example of Indian ikat, purposely made to attract the European market. Ikat is a Malay term for a complex tie-resist dyeing technique in which the warp (or the weft) threads are dyed to form the pattern before weaving. The soft and blurred transition between the different coloured parts of the pattern is created by the displacement of the threads while weaving. The gown has a round, slightly raised collar and it is adorned with gathered trimmings and narrow shoulder frills.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Muslin dyed in the ikat technique
Brief description
Wrap-over gown of Indian ikat, in white with blue and red blurred warps.
Physical description
Wrap-over gown made of Indian ikat, with round, slightly raised collar, adorned with gathered trimmings and narrow shoulder frills. Excessively long sleeves with wristbands. Bodice only lined at the back with white cotton and excess of skirt gathered at back. Fastening bands at waist now missing. Length of skirt been adjusted at some point with a tuck around the hem.
Dimensions
  • Length: 108.5cm (waistband to hem)
  • Length: 132cm (centre back to hem)
Credit line
Given by Messrs Harrods Ltd.
Object history
Textile of Indian ikat was purposely made to attract the European market.
Production
The fabric is of Indian ikat
Summary
The fabric used in this stylish wrap-over gown is an unusual example of Indian ikat, purposely made to attract the European market. Ikat is a Malay term for a complex tie-resist dyeing technique in which the warp (or the weft) threads are dyed to form the pattern before weaving. The soft and blurred transition between the different coloured parts of the pattern is created by the displacement of the threads while weaving. The gown has a round, slightly raised collar and it is adorned with gathered trimmings and narrow shoulder frills.
Collection
Accession number
T.798-1913

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Record createdJuly 29, 2005
Record URL
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