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

Date1844

OriginAmerica, New York, Orange County (probably)

MediumDark blue wool and white cotton

Dimensions87" x 76 1/2" (221.0 cm. x 194.3 cm.)

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

Object number1986.609.20

DescriptionThis coverlet is double-woven in dark blue wool and white cotton; center-seamed; and has a rolled-over hem at top. The side borders show three-bay, center-chimney houses; boughs with two large rose blooms each plus leaves; and leafy trees all over an outer cross-hatched design. Woven into each lower corner block is "LATICIA/SPROUL/ORANGE/1844." The "C" is written backwards. The lower border shows arched elements (trees?) bearing pendant, sausage-like shapes, stars, and stylized trees, all over an outer border of elongated (diamond-shaped) cross-hatching. The interior consists of simple floral medallions and more complex ones with four birds perching in the connecting garlands of fruit and foliage that fill the spaces between.
MarkingsWoven into each lower corner block is "LATICIA/SPROUL/ORANGE/1844." The "C" is written backwards.
ProvenanceGift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.