Christening gown with collar. The dress is cream-coloured with embroidered decoration down front and back in panels. The bottom hem is in a stepped scallop shape with embroidered designs. On either side of the central back panel of embroidery are four sets of white mesh ribbons set into the fabric. The top back section of the bodice is embroidered with a large floral design with mesh insets. Two large white ribbon roses are fixed to the seam of the bodice and the skirt. The collar consists of two layers of sheer fabric embroidered around the borders and ties with a white satin ribbon. The lower layer also has an inset of white mesh ribbon, and both layers have scalloped and embroidered edges. The front of the dress fastens with two small pearlescent plastic buttons. The sleeves of the gown are gathered at the cuffs and have scalloped, embroidered edges.

Gift of Dr. John H. Finney

Gift of Dr. John H. Finney

Gift of Dr. John H. Finney

Gift of Dr. John H. Finney

Book of the Qur’an, inscribed in naskh script inside the cover. The first few pages are highly coloured and decorative. Most other pages of script are bordered by a simple band of gold and blue, with most of the script in black and red ink. Chapter headers are painted with brightly coloured decorative bands. The cover has a flowered pattern painted(?) onto the outside; a flower patterned paper adhered to the inside covers. Pages are loosely bound with string, currently only attached in one place to the cover. (Part b is a soft fabric cover that is sewn in the shape of an envelope; in storage.)

Puppet of a male. The body is made of wood, with articulations at the neck, elbows, fingers, hips and knees. The mouth and eyes are also moveable. The puppet is dressed in a fabric costume, with a gold sarong, and red and blue tunic embroidered in white flowers on the torso, and coloured sequence sewn onto cuffs and hem. The puppet’s face is finely carved with protruding features, painted wrinkles, brows and lashes. Human hair has been used for his moustache and hair. Puppeteer’s strings are attached to the head, shoulders, hands and legs of the puppet.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Museum Purchase: Helen Thurston Ayer Fund.