Dolman

Unknown

ca. 1885 · silk · Costume Institute

This is an excellent example of reconfiguring textiles to fit fashion. This dolman was created from a Chinese shawl, which was likely exported to the Philippines and then made into a fashionable garment in the United States when cumbersome shawls were no longer fashionable. The texture of the embroidery enlivens the muted tones of the textile and helps create an overall pleasing appearance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1885

Medium

silk

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Robert G. Olmsted and Constable MacCracken, 1969