Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet, ABC design, by an unidentified maker
Date1854
OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania
MediumCotton and wool
DimensionsOverall (Without Fringe H x W): 92 x 88in. (233.7 x 223.5cm)
Overall (With Fringe H x W): 95 x 95in. (241.3 x 241.3cm)
Other (Bottom Border Width): 8 1/4in. (21cm)
Other (Side Border Width): 8in. (20.3cm)
Length w/o fringe on left side: 94 1/2"; right side: 92".
Other (Pattern Repeat H x W): 24 1/2 x 24in. (62.2 x 61cm)
Length w/o fringe on left side: 94 1/2"; right side: 92".
Credit LineGift of Foster and Muriel McCarl
Object number2006.609.9
DescriptionThis nearly square, red, blue, green, and natural-colored 2:1 tied Beiderwand coverlet has a centerfield design laid out in a grid of four different blocks. One block has a starburst with alphabet letter A through L woven around it. Other blocks include sprays of flowers, curving leaves, and clover leaves, all arranged formally and symmetrically around a vertical-horizontal axis. The borders feature vases of flowers alternating with trees. Each corner block on the two bottom corners has a large pear tree with smaller trees on either side and the date 1854. The coverlet is made from two loom widths seamed together vertically down the center. The sides have self fringe, and the top and bottom edges are hemmed with applied fringe on the bottom edge.Label TextThe Pennsylvania German weavers preferred the tied-Beiderwand weave structure associated with their lower Germany heritage. This coverlet is one of at least twelve known “ABC” coverlets that range in date from 1849 to 1855.
Markings"1854” (cornerblock) and “ABCDEF/GHIJKL" (centerfield squares)
ProvenanceGiven to CWF by Foster and Muriel McCarl, 2006.
1852 (dated)
