Images(5)

Counterpane, Wool Embroidered

Date1785-1830

OriginAmerica, Connecticut (possibly)

MediumCrewel embroidery on a coarse twill weave wool ground

DimensionsWith Fringe: OL 99" x OW 89 1/2" Without Fringe: OL 95" x OW 82 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-8

DescriptionThis is an embroidered counterpane worked in red, gold, green, blue, brown, beige, and white crewels. The ground fabric consists of three widths of black/brown wool woven in a coarse twill weave: the left-hand panel measures 27 1/2" in width, the middle panel 27", and the right-hand panel 28". The counterpane is embroidered with a large flowering tree whose thin, scrolling branches bear stylistic blossoms and large filigree leaves. The tree is enclosed in a narrow, undulating vine border. A green fringe is attached on three sides. The counterpane is unlined.

Stitches: cross, chain, feather, flat stitch B, herringbone, long and short, outline, satin, seed, tufted (turkey work)
Label TextThis embroidered bed counterpane is worked on an unusual dark colored wool ground in contrast to most crewel needlework, which is done on a white linen or linen and cotton ground. The dark ground appears to recede, causing the colorful, bold needlework to dramatically stand out. It is one of a group of about thirteen known that were produced in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
ProvenanceThis counterpane was purchased from Roger Bacon of Exeter, New Hampshire, who said it came from Northwestern Connecticut, towards the Hudson Valley. In June 1949, C.W. Lyon published an advertisement in the Magazine Antiques that contained an image of the counterpane. In September 1929, a reversed image of the counterpane appeared in the Magazine Antiques; at that time, the counterpane belonged to George S. McKearin.