Plum color woven silk with a floral and dot design. Plain, darker color plum silk used for sleeve and collar pouf inserts. 4 1/2″ standup collar. Long fitted sleeves with puffed area near shoulder. High waist with a set-in waistband. Closure is in front and done with various sizes of hooks & eyes. Skirt is gored with gathers & pouf at back of waist. Lining is tan-colored linen but extra fabric between silk and linen for insulation.
Fresh Goods Exhibition Label: Silk Pelisse, about 1820 The skill of the seamstress is evident in this fashionable pelisse in which the needle and thread create the shape and ornament of tucks, pleats, piped seams, and covered buttons out of yard goods without added trimmings. A hat and gloves would have completed this ensemble when worn by Lydia Jackson who married Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1835.