As of 1691 William III was both the stadholder of the Netherlands and the king of England. He ordered ‘Jappan gownes’ in both countries. These long quilted housecoats derived from Japanese kimonos were a status symbol. From an invoice we know that William bought six metres of green lining silk, perhaps for this very housecoat. The lining has faded, as has the outer fabric, which was once dark purple.