Artifact: Multi colored velvet weave
Materials: Silk Velvet
Dimensions: W. 23 in. (58.4 cm), L. 84 in. (213.4)
Date: Late 17th or early 18th century
Origin: Italy
Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art
License: OASC
Ledger Entry: Velvet
Department: Textile
Customer: Hugh West Jr.
Ledger Page: 83
Imported From:
Product Description
Velvet is a pile fabric that was used for upholstery, draperies, and clothing. Velvet could be made of silk, wool, linen or cotton and the combinations of materials contributed to the density and coarseness of the material. Stout linens made of linen or wool were more likely used for upholstery whereas silk velvets were more likely intended for clothing.
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), 370;
Historical Price: 18 shillings per yard; Modern USD: $201
Product Variations
The databases record twelve sales of velvet. The databases record no indicators of quality, but four of these sales are identified as scarlet velvet. The prices range from one shilling six pence to twenty four shillings per yard.
