Woven Tied Beiderwand Coverlet by Unknown Maker

Dateca. 1850

MediumWool and cotton

Dimensions78" x 67 1/2" (198.1 cm. x 171.5 cm.)

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

Object number1986.609.19

DescriptionThis is a coverlet in a single-woven tied beiderwand construction of dark blue wool with a mixture of white and natural cotton, with a light blue cotton tie-down thread; unseamed; the top edge is turned over and hemmed; and self- fringed at bottom. The side borders show a repeat of a dog beside a rider on a rearing horse on a hillock; a spray of foliage is over the dogs, a stylized "tree" separates the horsemen. All are below a row of small squares and above an elaborate edging of small, repeated motifs (squares, curving diagonal lines, etc.) The lower corner blocks each show a large lily beside a candle in a holder; a checked/swagged border on two sides; seven stars or dots in the background and other unrecognizable elements. The lower border shows alternating elements of a "sceptre" shape and two different flower (?) sprays over an outer border of curving diagonal lines. The interior shows two different quatrefoil elements; birds and leaves.
Label TextThe unusual feature of this coverlet is its corner block design, a lily-like bloom that incongruously shares space with a diminutive candle in a holder. The attractive field is composed of two alternating quatrefoils of unequal visual strength; a stylized foliage motif so dominates the center section of the coverlet that, at first, one often fails to read the interstitial design as four large birds.
InscribedNo inscriptions
MarkingsNo marks
ProvenanceOwnership prior to donor's is unknown. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.