Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet, "Double Roses and Sunbursts"
Date1840
Artist/Maker
Jacob Shalk
(? - 1864?)
MediumDark blue and red wools with natural cotton
Dimensions90 X 77 1/2" (228.6 cm. x 196.9 cm.)
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.
Object number1979.609.13
DescriptionThis is a single-woven coverlet of dark blue and brick red wools with natural cotton with light blue tie downs. It is center-seamed; self-fringed at bottom with applied fringe on sides; and top hemmed. The interior pattern is formed by four rose medallions ("Double Roses and Sunbursts"). The double borders consist of standing eagles between fruit trees and double row of eight-pointed stars or snowflakes. Woven into the two lower corner blocks is "WOVE +/BY + J + S /FOR +/L/FRONK+/1840."Label TextIn addition to spread eagles (looking somewhat like chickens), the weaver of this coverlet incorporated eight- and sixteen-pointed stars, or sunbursts.
Variations of the centerfield design known as "double roses and Sunbursts" were popular with Pennsylvania weavers, as was the outer border of double rows of eight-pointed stars.
MarkingsWoven into corner block is "WOVE +/BY + J + S /FOR +/L/FRONK+/1840."
ProvenanceNothing is known of "L Fronk" for whom the coverlet was woven. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.
Probably ca. 1870
ca. 1845
