This striped silk damask featuring lace and moiré (a wavy or rippled pattern resembling a water stain) is similar to those found in fashion magazines of the mid-19th century. Whether in dress or interior decoration, Victorians preferred combinations of multiple designs and textures. The lace motif in this silk is a plausibly realistic depiction of an actual lace, possibly a Brussels Duchesse or Duchesse de Bruges, recreated through use of a damask weave. The boldly contrasting emerald green background color of the lace stripe probably indicates employment of one of the new synthetic dyes influencing commercial textiles in the mid-19th century. The moiré effect seen in the white stripes results from a finishing process whereby plain-woven areas are calendered (i.e. pressed with engraved roller, probably using steam or heat). This crushes some of the surface threads, which in turn reflect light differently, thus revealing a subtle shimmering pattern.