Yellow & Green Figured Silk
Chinese, Indian, Persian, English & French “taffety” or taffeta, such as this Yellow & Green Figured Silk, were commonly advertised in the 18th and 19th centuries. Woven plain, they were made in a variety of colors, some changeable, some “chine” or warp-printed, some with stripes, checks and patterns. All were woven in a like-fashion, varying only in their width, or number of silk yarns in the warp and weft. After the American Revolution, great quantities of silk came to the states from China, including taffetas, satins and lustrings. Silk was available to all social classes in varying qualities; those with less wealth could purchase cheaper silks or find silks from the secondhand market.
Simple patterns could be woven, such as stripes or checks, and extra float yarns introduced to create patterns as simple as dots, and as elaborate as flowers, vines and lace motifs. The Victoria & Albert holds a
French Merchant's silk book of 1764 which shows a variety of silks, including simple patterned ones such as this Yellow & Green Figured Silk. Patterns like these could be left plain or embroidered over. They were especially desirable in menswear.
- This Yellow & Green Figured Silk has a firm hand and is suitable for the 18th & 19th centuries, as well as Time Travel.
- The pattern is reversible, and it is suitable for Ladies' Jackets, Redingotes, Spencers & Pelisses, Men's Banyans and Wrapping Gowns, Coats, Waistcoats & Breeches, Children's clothing and Accessories.
- Yellow & Green Figured Silk is 100% Silk, 54 inches wide.
