Gown of block printed cotton

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  • Europe
  • 1765-1780
  • Cotton, block printed; linen lining; wool tape trim
  • 1954-67, 1

Woman's gown (with matching petticoat, #2) made of plain-woven cotton block printed in a design consisting of clusters of flowers with buds and foliage on trunk-like stems, forming an undulating, all-over pattern. Printed in madder colors (reds, purple and brown) with pencil blue (indigo). Gown has a fitted inner bodice of natural linen with center edge-to-edge closure fastening with hooks and eyes; attached stomacher is trimmed with pleated robings arranged vertically at center and a separate band horizontally across top, forming a low, squared neckline. Gown is open from shoulder to hem in front, trimmed down fronts with pleated robing edged with narrow red wool tape (some replaced). Loose pleated sack back falls into a train. Full at sides, intended to be worn with side hoops. Pocket slits at sides. Elbow-length sleeves have double flounces trimmed with red wool tape. Gown completely lined with linen (most a modern replacement.)

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