Panel or counterpane, red silk damask

Date1700-1750 in 17th century style, remade later

MediumSilk damask.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-167,3

DescriptionRectangular panel for a bed or table cover constructed of red silk satin damask with 7/8" looped fringed tape sewn on all four sides. Unlined panel is hand stitched together from 8 smaller pieces of fabric, used full selvage widths. The design consists of stylized flowers and pomegranates with interlocking stems and scrolling serrated leaves. Selvages are striped green and white. Red color matches Munsell 5R-3/8.
Label TextAlthough the textile may date from the eighteenth century, the damask pattern matches earlier designs dating to the seventeenth century. The textile may have been retained in a weaver's repertoire for a long period of time or made as an early copy. The fringe and piecing of the panel appear to be 19th century in date.
ProvenanceJ. A. Lloyd Hyde, New York. No previous provenance known.