Pair of sleeves with spiral-shaped insets, anonymous, c. 1820
weaving, l c.62cm × w c.17cm More details
These long sleeves are gathered at intervals to make a series of puffs. Called Mameluke sleeves, they became fashionable around 1808. Originally Mamluks were the bodyguards of a sultan. After Napoleon’s campaign through Egypt and Palestine (1798–1801), Arabian influences became increasingly visible in fashion. The inset is made of needlepoint lace, which was produced in Carrickmacross, Ireland, from 1820.
