Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet in "Four Lilies" Pattern by Unknown Maker
Dateca. 1845
MediumWool and natural cotton
Dimensions93 3/4 x 78 3/4" (238.1 cm. x 200.0 cm.) excluding fringe.
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.
Object number1986.609.16
DescriptionThis is a coverlet single-woven in tied beiderwand construction in red and green wools with natural cotton and a light blue supplementary thread of cotton. It is center-seamed; self- fringed on sides; applied fringe on bottom; and has a rolled-over hem at top. The side borders are triple rows of a five-bay, two-chimney building between conical trees. The lower corner blocks consist of six inner squares of diagonal lines. The lower border is a double row of the same design as side borders, but here the motifs are horizontally compressed. The interior consists of simple floral wreaths alternating with a variant "four lilies" motif in horizontal rows alternating with starbursts and a different "four lilies" variant. Small, variously pointed stars are interspersed.Label TextThe double-(bottom) and triple-(sides) repeat of a motif of small buildings creates an effective linear contrast to the scrolling field design of lilies and foliage in this coverlet. The corner blocks were rendered as rectangles of simply diagonal lines, an unusually plain design solution, but a pleasing foil for the borders and interior.
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.
ca. 1850
Second half of 18th century
ca. 1845
