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Caracao or Short Gown
1810/20s

Not only does this have a delightful shape and collar, but there are five copper plate, roller and hand block printed fabrics used. The main lining monochrome copper plate printed linen is of English manufacturer, probably Bromley Hall, Middlesex and dates from the 1780/90s. Another piece is roller printed. The other linng cottons are probably French. The cuff linings 1810.

Cataloguing

The caracao with deep rouleau trimmed collar with gathered frill, front closure with large brass hooks and cotton loops, the back with typical diamond design, the centre back waist with four small cotton covered deep ochre and maroon buttons, a sewn on tieing band, with long ties, the skirt flared and pleated.

The buttons on the back have a small piece of ribbon at each end. The apron ribbon/ ties would slide through these and a bow created above the buttons.This would secure the ties and stop the apron from slipping .

The pale blue cotton hand block printed with parallel lines of off white stripes, edged in brown, with lines of flower sprays between lines of dashes, the lining with a copper plate magnesium printed design of flowering sprays, shells, flowers and fruits on linen, the sleeves each lined with three different cottons, the first with roller plrinted cotton with a small leaf trellis filled with flower and leaf spray, the middle with a hand block print of whie flowerheads on beige cotton, the deep inner cuff with a hand block mauve and blue  design of blue flowers within circles with undulating edges,

Condition

Basically very good condition. There is some slight fading. The jacket was clearly well loved. The rouleau trim on the collar has worn in one place 1 in; 2.5 cm. The front left hand opening has some damage, which has been patched.  There is a little split under the collar. A further small hole near the waist. A few little faded patches.