The Met Store William Morris Brother Rabbit Women’s Cotton Pajamas* Clothing

An artful gift inspired by The Met collection.

William Morris (British, 1834–1896) conceived of the charming pattern on these women’s pajamas, which he called Brother Rabbit, ahead of the 1881 opening of the Merton Abbey Tapestry Works. Registered in 1882 and printed about 1917–23, Brother Rabbit was produced in multiple colorways, including the red-and-white example belonging to The Met. The fanciful concept was inspired by nature, medieval textiles, and, notably, Brer Rabbit, a character from the 19th-century stories by J.C. Harris, which were popular with the Morris children.