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Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet attributed to Henry Oberly

Date1837-1845

Attributed to Henry Oberly (ca. 1805-1874)

MediumCotton and wool

DimensionsOverall (With Fringe L x W): 95 x 88in. (241.3 x 223.5cm) Overall (Without Fringe L x W): 92 x 80in. (233.7 x 203.2cm) Other (Side border width): 13 1/4in. (33.7cm) Other (Bottom Border): 14 3/4in. (37.5cm) Other (Pattern repeat H x W): 31 x 26in. (78.7 x 66cm)

Credit LineGift of Foster and Muriel McCarl

Object number2006.609.8

DescriptionThis rectangular blue and red 2:1 tied beiderwand coverlet has a repeating design of large, 8-pointed stars. The circular center of each star is filled with flowers, and more flowers ring the outside of the stars. The central design repeats 2.5 times vertically and 2 times horizontally. The sides of the coverlet are bordered with a pattern of floral bouquets in vases, and the bottom edge is bordered in a different floral design. The two bottom corners have marked corner blocks with the inscription “A. KREIDER”, a floral band, and a turkey-like bird. The coverlet is made of two panels seamed vertically down the center. The sides have self fringe, and the bottom has applied fringe. The top and bottom edges are hemmed.
Label TextThe brilliant red and irregularly faded blue of this coverlet woven for A. Kreider cause it to visually vibrate and come alive. The uncommon combination of red wool weft threads with blue cotton warp is usually associated with Pennsylvania coverlets, although Maryland and Ohio weavers also produced coverlets with blue cotton warps. Perhaps the difficulty of dyeing cotton using the available blue dye discouraged many weavers. The corner block closely resembles Henry Oberly’s design, although a band of flowers was substituted here for the weaver’s inscription.
Markings"A. KREIDER"(client). Peacock bird in corner block.
ProvenanceGiven to CWF by Foster and Muriel McCarl, 2006.