Images(2)

Wool Embroidered Counterpane

Date1730-1750

OriginGreat Britain

MediumWool embroidery threads on a cotton and linen twill ground with linen tape (fiber identification by textile lab)

DimensionsOH: 86" x OW: 93"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon

Object number1972-1

DescriptionThis is a counterpane made of white twilled linen and cotton ground fabric with all-over repeating pattern of leafy vines, various flowers, and pear-shaped fruit, embroidered in a knotted stitch through the ground. Colors include blue-greens, shaded rose, blues, and golds on white. The flowers and vines seem to be made of a series of knots couched onto the ground. The centers of most of the flowers are made of bullion knots and French knots. The border consists of a winding ribbon-like pattern, similar in appearance to an S-twist cord. The border is made from a tight chain stitch. It is trimmed on all sides with 5/8" white pattern-woven tape. Note: The bed cover is pieced from 11 sections of embroidered textile, the smaller of which were probably taken from the valances and added at the top to lengthen it.

Stitches: bullion knot, chain, couching, French knot, knotting
Label TextAt first glance, this counterpane appears to be embroidered in simple stitches. On closer look, however, it is evident that many of the counterpane's flowers, leaves, and vines are made of miniscule knots tied closely together. Knotting was a popular pastime for women in the 18th century, with many portraits from the period showing women using knotting shuttles to make knots for decorative use.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceLenygon & Morant collection