Artifact: Muslin cover with linen embroidery
Materials: Linen on Muslin
Dimensions: L. 40 1/4 x W. 63 1/2 inches (102.2 x 161.3 cm)
Date: 18th Century
Origin: East India
Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art
License: OASC
Ledger Entry: Muslin
Department: Textile
Customer: Mary Janey
Ledger Page: 92
Imported From: In the 1750s, muslin was only available for import from East India, therefore Muslins in America were frequently imported from India through suppliers in England.
Product Description
Muslin was a thin cotton cloth used primarily for clothing and handkerchiefs, though it could also be used for draperies.
Citation: Florence M. Montgomery. Textiles in America, 1650-1870 : a Dictionary Based on Original Documents : Prints and Paintings, Commercial Records, American Merchants' Papers, Shopkeepers' Advertisements, and Pattern Books with Original Swatches of Cloth. (New York :Norton, 1984), 304-306.;
Historical Price: 3 shillings per yard; Modern USD: $33.6
Product Variations
The databases record six purchases of muslin. One purchase is identified as 'fine' muslin, while another is labeled as 'muslin No. 2' indicating that there was a hierarchy of quality of muslins sold at the Ramsay store. All of the purchases were for quantities of one yard or less, indicating that the muslin was being used for accents, handkerchiefs, or trim rather than for clothing. Because it was sold in smaller quantities, these units were priced individually.
