Doublet

This silk doublet demonstrates the ornamental use of buttons and braided silk in the early 17th century. The sleeves fit tightly from elbow to wrist and fasten with buttons on the seam at the back. Covering each forearm are ten strips of yellow silk overlaid with narrow green and yellow braid. A button worked in green and yellow silk sits in the centre of each strip, the ends of which are finished with bunches of very small tassels. At the centre back of the doublet, the same decoration is repeated. The techniques by which the braid, tassels and buttons are all worked are known as passementerie.