Gown

The floral pattern on this dress fabric is so finely embroidered that at first sight it could be mistaken for a printed design. It is typical of the superb chain-stitch embroidery done in Gujarat, in western India, by professional craftsmen of the Mochi community, using both a tambour hook (ari) and a needle. The fabric would have been imported as piece-goods (lengths of cloth) and made up in England.

The style of the dress dates it to around 1780, while the embroidered fabric appears to date from somewhat earlier in the 18th century. The dress has elbow-length sleeves, with a tight bodice section opening down the front. The full skirt is open at the front, revealing a section of the petticoat worn underneath.