Woven Doublecloth Coverlet by Unknown Maker

Date1840-1845

MediumRed and dark blue wools with natural cotton

Dimensions88 x 84 1/2" (223.5 cm. x 214.6 cm.)

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.

Object number1978.609.7

DescriptionThis rust, navy, and tan colored double cloth woven coverlet has alternating large snow- flake and medallion designs in the interior region. The side and lower borders contain double rows of trees and arbor motifs. Four rows of zigzag motifs surround the outer edges. The lower corners have corner blocks with four stylized birds. There is no border along the upper edge. The piece is constructed of two loom widths. There is a fringe on the sides and the lower edge.
Label TextAs illustrated by this example, weavers occasionally produced a plaid ground using wools of contrasting colors. Often, as in this example, they made little or no effort to align their pictorial patterning with the edges of the color strips.
InscribedNo inscriptions
MarkingsNo marks
ProvenanceNo history of ownership prior to donor's is known. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.