Woven Doublecloth Coverlet

Date1844

Artist/Maker W. Buechel (fl. 1843 - 1847)

OriginAmerica, Ohio, Licking County, Newark

MediumDark blue wool and white cotton

Dimensions83 1/2 x 73 3/4" (211.1 cm. x 187.3 cm.)

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

Object number1986.609.17

DescriptionThis coverlet is double-woven in dark blue wool and white cotton; center-seamed; self-fringed sides and bottom; and has rolled over hem at top. Woven into each lower corner block is WOVE.AT/NEWARK/OHIO.BY./W.BUECHEL/1844/M.EDWARDS." The side borders are perched birds on either side of a flowering stalk flanked by churches and alternating with large baskets of a flowering plant. The upper halves of these side borders are actually repeats of the interior design that are cleverly linked to different "bottoms" here. The lower border shows very slightly different birds flanking a basket with a horizontally-spreading plant having acorn-like drops. The interior consists of horizontal rows of concentric circle motifs alternating with a spray of foliage (and stylized fruit or flowers); these rows alternate with others of a "four roses" motif alternating with wreaths enclosing a quadrant of thistle-like flower. Dots, diamond-shapes, stars, and large snow flakes fill the background.
MarkingsWoven into each lower corner block is "WOVE. AT/NEWARK/OHIO.BY./W.BUECHEL/1844/M.EDWARDS."
ProvenanceOwnership prior to donor's is unknown. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.