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Counterpane 2014.609.4
Counterpane, White Embroidery
Counterpane 2014.609.4

Counterpane, White Embroidery

Date1820-1850
OriginAmerica, Tennessee, Washington County
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 242.6 x 199.4cm (95 1/2 x 78 1/2in.); Selvage width of textile: 36 1/4 in.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Dr. and Mrs. T. Marshall Hahn, Jr. Fund
Object number2014.609.4
DescriptionRectangular white counterpane of cotton embroidered with heavy white cotton threads in a design of a central flowering basket surrounded by flowers and swags with tassels at each upward point. Counterpane is edged on bottom and left side with knitted lace. Motifs are created by applied tufts, or “pompoms,” stitched to the surface with white cotton thread, with the addition of decorative embroidery stitches (running, stem, straight, and lace-like fillings). Signed in upper right corner, “R. C. Kitzmiller,” for Richard Carr Kitzmiller.
Label TextThis bed coverlet is embroidered in heavy white cotton threads in a variety of decorative stitches. The technique is sometimes referred to today as "candlewick" because the diameter of the cotton threads is similar to that of a candlewick.