Description:
Table cover in plain bleached linen, which has a slight rib weave, embroidered with red and green flowers in chain and satin stitches in an interlocking, scrolling pattern worked with silk threads around the four sides; a monogram traced in black ink in the center; and a knotted, silk fringe made by tying knots in the thread and applying them to the folded edge of the cover. This two-sided cover is quilted without batting, which is sometimes referred to as mock quilting. This type of quilting became popular form of needlework in the period from 1690 to 1750. Worked through two layers of linen, the small, four-line trellis pattern in the background is done entirely in the chain stitch with silk thread, and looks as if it was added after the floral border was attached since the lines stop at the leaves and flowers. Some of the black ink lines used to lay out the trellis pattern can still be seen. The center of each trellis section has a quilted diamond shape formed by four joined crescent shapes. This piece was entered into the collection as a circa 1700 crib quilt; however, Linda Eaton, Director of collections and Senior Curator of textiles at the Winterthur Museum (May 14, 2011), had many questions about its authenticity and suggested a circa 1900 revival piece rather than a circa 1690-1710 example. The eges on at least two sides are raw, having been cut down and then covered by the fringe. While a knotted fringe could be 17th century, there is usually a header at the top near the point of attachemnt, which is not there; in addition, the thread used to atttach the fringe appears to be newer. The cotton ground fabric appears to be a double warp, which is "weird." If 17th century, the chain stitch trellis embroidery should be done in a backstitch rather than the chain stitch done from the reverse side as seen on the reverse on the right side. Also "weird" to her was the red buttonhole stitch around some of the red embroidery motifs; the red on the border flowers lined up; the curving of the stalks; and the ink pattern marks in black being left making some of the embroidery look dirty, all of which are incorrect for a 17th century example. On the back is what appears to be a stamped mark(s), including possible words that are illegible.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+97.4 |
