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1974-352, Blanket
Blanket, Wool with "Rose" Design
1974-352, Blanket

Blanket, Wool with "Rose" Design

Date1760-1810
OriginAmerica, New England (possibly)
MediumWool, linen (stitching thread) (fiber identification by microscope)
Dimensions64 X 83 1/2 inches; diameter of roses approx 9 1/2 inches
Credit LineBequest of Grace Hartshorn Westerfield
Object number1974-352
DescriptionThis is a rectangular blanket of homespun natural-color napped wool embroidered in each of the four corners with 9 1/2-inch circles of indigo blue, pale greenish-brown, pink, white and yellow wool threads. The circles, known as "roses," are stitched in straight and herringbone stitches forming medallions with small centered bisected circles with four concentric circles around each motif. The outer edges of the blanket are finished on all four sides by dark indigo herringbone stitches close to the edges. The blanket is woven in two panels, butted and seamed down the center using linen thread.
Label TextWhite wool blankets cornered with embroidered circular medallions were known in the period as "rose blankets." They were produced in Great Britain as well as in America, likely by professional weavers.