Gentleman's nightcap

The pomegranate motif embroidered on this red velvet nightcap symbolised fertility and was widely used on textiles in the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe and the Orient. The style of the nightcap is similar to those worn in Turkey and Russia, showing the direct influence on British design of the great trading ventures of the 16th century. It is said to have belonged to Major Buntine, who was appointed Master of the Horse of Scotland during the reign of Cromwell, and is an interesting example of a Parliamentarian wearing a higly ornate and fashionable item of costume.