Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet

Date1845 (dated)

MediumCotton and wool Weft: Cotton Supplementary Weft: Wool

DimensionsOL: 94" with fringe; 91" without fringe OW: 82.5" with fringe; 77.5" without fringe

Credit LineBequest of Margaret H. (Mrs. Robert S.) Davies

Object number1975.609.10

DescriptionThis coverlet is a red, light blue, and navy blue single woven coverlet, which is made from two pieces of woven fabric that have been stitched together to form a center seam. The coverlet is woven in a tied beiderwand weave construction, which has cream and light blue cotton warp threads. The weft consists of cream cotton threads and red and navy blue wool threads. The center ground of this piece consists of alternating rows of round and square floral motifs. This central pattern is surrounded on three sides by a border. This border consists of three rows of small birds and trees. On the bottom edge there is a fourth row in the border which has a woven inscription that reads "L HACK/ MAN" "1845".
The coverlet has fringe on three sides. Originally the fringe on the long sides was woven with the piece while the fringe on the bottom edge was woven seperatly and then stitched to the piece. Other woven pieces of fringe were attached at a later time to fill in the worn original fringe. The yarns in these added on sections are of a different color and texture then the orginal yarns. The top edge has a rolled hem.
Label TextThe triple rows of confronting birds alternating with fruit trees form a refreshing variation on the popular "Bird and Bush" pattern so often employed by professional weavers. The name at the bottom of the coverlet indicates the client.
Inscribedhe inscription repeated six times across the bottom border is probably for the client, "L + HACK/MAN 1845."
MarkingsThe inscription repeated six times across the bottom border is probably for the client, "L + HACK/MAN 1845."
ProvenanceOwnership prior to donor's is unknown.