Woven Doublecloth Coverlet

Date1868

Artist/Maker John Klein (ca. 1834-1901)

MediumRed and dark blue wools

Dimensions84 1/2 x 79" (213.8 cm. x 200.6 cm.)

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

Object number1983.609.4

DescriptionThis is a red and dark blue wool double-woven coverlet, center seamed, with fringe on three sides. The interior design consists of floral medallions enclosing 16-pointed stars on a dotted background with small geometric medallions interspersed. The lower border is a repeat of a flower basket with pears alternating with a floral spray. The side borders are a repeat of a different flower basket alternating with lyre shapes over an outermost border of simple flowers and "rope twists." Woven into each lower corner block is "J. KLEIN./HAMILTONCO./INDIANA./1868."
Label TextJohn Klein repeatedly used this coverlet's delightful foot border of baskets of flowers and pears, mixing it with other interior and side border patterns in the course of his work. Both foot border and corner block designs appear to have been copied from the work of Henry Adolf (ca. 1815-?), with whom Klein worked before establishing his own business.
MarkingsWoven into each lower corner block is "J. KLEIN./HAMILTONCO./INDIANA./1868."
ProvenanceNo history of ownership prior to the donor's is known. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.