There are 2 other images of this object. This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions), and as such we offer a high-resolution image of it. See our image rights statement.

 

See more objects with the color lightgrey darkkhaki dimgrey darkolivegreen darkslategrey or see all the colors for this object.

Object Timeline

-0001

1962

  • We acquired this object.

2012

2013

2019

2024

  • You found it!

Uncut Waistcoat Front (probably China, for French market)

This is a Uncut waistcoat front. It is dated late 18th century and we acquired it in 1962. Its medium is silk and its technique is laid, knot, and satin stitch embroidery on satin weave. It is a part of the Textiles department.



Below flowering blossoms and dainty sprigs is a scene of a violent cockfight. The large scale of the animals heightens the aggressive nature of their confrontation. Long popular in France, the 18th-century excavations of Pompeian mosaics showing cockfights also may have influenced this design. On a gentleman’s waistcoat, fighting cocks also could be interpreted as symbols of strength and virility.

This object was bequest of Richard Cranch Greenleaf (American, 1887–1961). It is credited Bequest of Richard Cranch Greenleaf in memory of his mother, Adeline Emma Greenleaf.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 60.3 x 54.6 cm (23 3/4 x 21 1/2 in.)

Cite this object as

Uncut Waistcoat Front (probably China, for French market); silk; H x W: 60.3 x 54.6 cm (23 3/4 x 21 1/2 in.); Bequest of Richard Cranch Greenleaf in memory of his mother, Adeline Emma Greenleaf; 1962-54-50

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Embroidered and Embellished.

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18445273/ |title=Uncut Waistcoat Front (probably China, for French market) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=26 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>