Woven Doublecloth Coverlet in "Birds of Paradise" Pattern by Unknown Maker

Dateca. 1845

MediumDark blue and red wools with natural cotton

Dimensions90 1/4 x 76" (229.2 cm. x 193.0 cm.)

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

Object number1986.609.13

DescriptionThis coverlet is double-woven in red and blue wools with natural cotton; center-seamed; self- fringed at sides and bottom; and has rolled-over hem at top. The side and bottom borders are doubled; the top border (which faces out) is single. The interior shows a repeat pattern of two long-tailed birds feeding four young in a nest and flanked by two shorter-tailed birds facing outward ("Birds of Paradise"). These horizontal rows alternate with others of two-handled vases holding fruits and flowers ("Penelope's Flower Pot"?). The doubled side borders show a pagoda, a steepled building (church?), and four other buildings of varying sizes intermixed with trees, all above a row of small squares. The bottom and top borders are the same design, although the former is doubled, the latter single. These show a large tavern- like building flanked by palm trees which, in turn, flank a three-bay building with a cupola and having smaller buildings to either side, all over a row of small squares. Both colored wools are used in both warp and weft, producing a "checked" appearance in blocks where red and blue intersect.
Label TextThe field pattern in this coverlet was very popular in mid-nineteenth-century America, and although most coverlets incorporating it bear no inscriptions, the design is often associated with Ohio. Now usually called "Birds of Paradise" with "Penelope's Flower Pot," it was frequently paired with borders featuring buildings. The pattern for the side borders featuring Eastern-and-Western-styled buldings is often called "Boston Trade" or "Christian and Heathen."
InscribedNo inscriptions
MarkingsNo marks
ProvenanceOwnership prior to donor's is unknown. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.