Woven Doublecloth Coverlet, " Snowball and Pine Tree" Pattern

Date1830-1860

MediumCotton and wool

DimensionsOL: 88" OW: 78"

Credit LineGift of Miriam Le Vin

Object number1974.609.1

DescriptionThis is a blue, red, and white woven coverlet in a double weave structure in two loom widths that have been center seamed. The coverlet consists of a geometric pattern that is a variation of the single snowball and twenty-five state pattern with a double border of pine trees at sides and foot. There is self fringe (white, red, and blue) on sides and a rlled hem at top and foot.
The weaver is unidentified.
Label TextPatterns used in double-woven coverlets are often geometric. They are constructed in such a way that the pattern on one side has a dark design on a light background, and the reverse side shows the opposite, a light design on a dark background. This coverlet is a variation of the single snowball and twenty-five state pattern, with a double border of pine trees. It was woven in one long piece, cut in half, and seamed at the middle to form a rectangle; some large southern coverlets in an "overshot" weave are made of three pieces sewn together. By 1850 the availability of wider looms meant that professionally woven coverlets were often seamless.
InscribedNo inscriptions
MarkingsNo marks
ProvenanceNo history of ownership prior to donor's is known.

The weaver of the coverlet is unidentified.