Description:
Coverlet fragment of white cotton embroidered in cut loops, couching, and cut loop with fabric sewn to the back, in a style known as "candlewicking" because of the thick thread's resemblance to a candle's wick with an overall design of a vine with grapes (fabric backed and then applied) and flowers, cut pile cut from another piece and applied, and "cut pile" or thick chenille yarn at the edge. The backing fabric and ground seem to be the same weave. The period term for this kind of embroidery is "knotted counterpane" as found in a c.1854 Illinois reference by Gail Bakkom and referred to by former Winterthur textile curator and author, Susan Swan. White bed coverings, such as this example with white embroidery or surface design, are referred to as "whitework," and frequently appear on examples dating to the early 19th century. Although more difficult to keep clean, white domestic textiles, especially those made from cotton, could be easily laundered.
Subjects:
Textile fabrics; Cotton Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+88.055 |
