Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet, "Birds of Paradise," "Penelope's Flower Pot," and "Boston Town Border"

Date1840-1845

MediumWarp: Cotton, Weft: Cotton, Supplementary Weft: Wool

DimensionsOL: 88.5" with fringe; 86" without fringe OW: 78" with fringe; 73" without fringe

Credit LineBequest of Margaret H. (Mrs. Robert S.) Davies

Object number1975.609.1

DescriptionThis coverlet is a red, blue, green and white single woven coverlet in a tied beiderwand construction, which has a cream and light blue 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, and green. The center ground consists of alternating rows of peacocks on branches and urns of flowers. The central ground is surrounded on three sides by a double border of buildings. The coverlet is self fringed on three sides. The top edge of the piece has a rolled hem.
Label TextThe pattern employed in this coverlet was very popular in the 1840's and came to be known as "Birds of Paradise" and "Penelope's Flower Pot". The border design was often referred to as the "Boston Town Border." While the weavers of these pieces have yet to be documented, it is believed that this design originated in Ohio.
InscribedNo inscriptions
MarkingsNo Marks
ProvenanceOwnership prior to the donor's is unknown.