Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet, "Birds and Bush" Border

Date1842 (dated)

Artist/Maker Michael Kaufman (1806-1846)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Bucks County

MediumWarp: Cotton, Weft: Cotton, Supplemental Weft: Wool

DimensionsOL: 92" with fringe; 90" without fringe OW: 85" with fringe; 81.5" without fringe

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

Object number1975.609.6

DescriptionThis coverlet is a red, blue, and white 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 construction, which has a white and light blue cotton warp with thinner white cotton weft. It has a wool supplemental weft, which is woven into the piece in alternating bands of red and blue. The center ground consists of several motifs including, an eagle with a shield, stars, diamonds and circles. The central ground is surrounded on three sides by a wide border of birds, flowers, and trees. In the lower two corners blocks read "M K/ SPRINGFI/ ELD: TO/ BUCKS CO/ 1842." The coverlet has fringe on three sides, which was woven as a separate piece and then stitched onto the finished coverlet. The top and bottom edges of the piece have a rolled hem.
Label TextThe pattern in the border of this coverlet is one of the most popular of designs used by professional weavers. The "Birds and Bush" border features the popular distelfink. Literally translated as "thistle finch," the bird is commonly known as a goldfinch. The border has been found on coverlets from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and even into Canada.
MarkingsWoven into the corner blocks: "M K/ SPRINGFI/ ELD: TO/ BUCKS CO/ 1842"
ProvenanceOwnership prior to the donor's is unknown.