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Bed Valence 1989-396,2A
Bed valance, Copperplate and Block Printed
Bed Valence 1989-396,2A

Bed valance, Copperplate and Block Printed

Date1775-1780
OriginEngland
MediumBlock and plate printed cotton.
Dimensions13 1/2" to 14" deep X 67" at heading
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1989-396,2A
DescriptionGathered outer valance for a bed, printed with copperplate in madder red and bordered with block-printed cotton edging. The printed design consists of a cluster of fruit and leaves at the base of a bold branch with grapes and flowers, with a parrot perched in the branch, grasping a cluster of three grapes in his beak. The parrot is surrounded by smaller flying and perching birds and a snail climbing the branch. This valance (and the other half, 1989-396,2B) are trimmed with printed striped cotton fabric folded over the edges. Ninety-seven inches of fullness is gathered into the 67" heading. The heading is reinforced with modern 1 1/2"-wide sheer fabric sewn to the back.
Label Text

Markings"Designed and Engraved by I. Penn (?)". Engraved into the branch beneath the parrot. Blue threads in selvage.
ProvenanceNot known.