This is a very interesting textile. I had it looked at by someone well versed in early textile and they told me that they would guess that the color was achieved by an organic dye - it has a very unusual one to it - in certain lights it has an almost taupe brown cast to it where the light catches it - if you know how black silk velvet can have a silverish grey sheen to it when it moves this is similar but in green and taupe! The lace work is just lovely - fine mesh base with stitched edges outlines. I love how the lace is applied so carefully that the swirls and pattern become the edges of the piece against the green silk velvet! The buttons are large and lovely and it has its original tie belt. A beautiful piece that was probably meant as a roe but easily could be worn as a dress now. Wonderful condition.