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Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet, "Double Lilies" Pattern and "Birds and Bush" Border
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Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet, "Double Lilies" Pattern and "Birds and Bush" Border

Date1867 (dated)
Artist/Maker Simon Riegel
OriginAmerica, Ohio, German Township
MediumWarp: Cotton; Weft: Cotton; Supplemental Weft: Wool
DimensionsOL: 92" with fringe; 89" without fringe OW: 78" with fringe; 72" without fringe
Credit LineGift of Vergie Shoup (Mrs John) Watson
Object number1973.609.7
DescriptionThis coverlet is a red, blue, green and magenta single woven coverlet which is made from two pieces of woven fabric that have been stitched together to form a center seam. The piece is woven in a tied beiderwand construction which has a cream cotton warp with a thinner cream cotton weft. The coverlet has a wool supplemental weft which is woven into the piece in alternating bands of red, blue, green and magenta. The center ground has alternating rows of stars and floral motifs ("double lilies"). This central ground is surrounded on three sides by a border of birds and trees. In the lower two corners there is a corner block that reads "MADE BY/ S. RIEGEL/GERMIN/ TOWNSHIP/ FOR/ BARBRA/ HECK/ 1867". The coverlet has fringe on three sides which was woven with the coverlet and a raw top edge.
Label TextThe pattern in the border of this coverlet is among the most popular Jacquard drafts available to weavers and their clients. The "Birds and Bush" border has been found on coverlets from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada; among these one example is dated over thirty years earlier than this one. The color scheme of this 1867 example indicates the use of commercial dyes.
MarkingsWoven into the two lower corner blocks:
"MADE BY/ S. RIEGEL/GERMIN/ TOWNSHIP/ FOR/ BARBRA/ HECK/ 1867"
ProvenanceBarbra Heck, original owner of the coverlet, came to Ohio from Virginia with her parents; she married Jacob Shoup in 1869 - 70. The coverlet descended in the family until it was given to AARFAM by the donor. (Letter from Vergie Shoup Watson 7/14/73).