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Woven Doublecloth Coverlet in "Lion and Roses" Pattern by Unknown Maker
No image number on slide

Woven Doublecloth Coverlet in "Lion and Roses" Pattern by Unknown Maker

Date1841
OriginAmerica, New York (probably)
MediumDark blue wool with natural cotton
Dimensions91 1/4" x 76 3/4" (231.8 cm. x 195.0 cm.)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.
Object number1986.609.6
DescriptionThis is a double-woven coverlet of dark blue wool and natural cotton; center-seamed; with no fringe. The client's name is woven below the lower border: "PHEBE C. ATWOOD." The side borders and lower border are the same design: spread eagles under 24 stars alternate with 2 different trees, one a weeping willow type and one a fruit tree type. Running continuously below is an edging of a very small repeat of alternating light/dark crosses. Standing lions facing the sides appear in each of the two lower corners, their tails bent round year dates, "1841." There is no top border. The interior consists of a repeat of the "4 roses" pattern (5 vertical x 4 horizontal) interspersed with a 16-pointed starburst, a smaller 8-pointed star, and a very small 8-pointed star.
Label TextCoverlets from this group of at least twenty-four extant examples present a mystery. Researchers have attributed them to various weavers, especially Harry Tyler of Jefferson County, New York. The attribution to Tyler is probably based on his use of a similar lion as the corner block logo. There is no evidence, however, that Tyler ever used the "Double Roses" pattern seen in this example.


InscribedThe name "PHEBE C. ATWOOD" is woven repeatedly into the lowermost edge of the foot border and the date "1841" is woven into both lower corner blocks.
MarkingsThe name "PHEBE C. ATWOOD" is woven repeatedly into the lowermost edge of the foot border and the date "1841" is woven into both lower corner blocks.
ProvenanceOwnership prior to donor's is unknown.