Description:
Cotton whitework coverlet in three panels embroidered in cut loops with thick cotton threads in a style known as "candlewicking" because of the thick thread's resemblance to a candle's wick with a centrer design of stars over an outspread eagle standing on a double-line half-circle with interior swags over the initials "M T (?) or "J(?)" surrounded by a sawtooth circle; over a footed trelliswork basket supporting flowering branches and stars; over three borders; 1. a scrolling vine on the bottom and sides; 2. a large vine with flowers and grapes on the bottom and two sides; 3. a cut loop line edging the bottom and two sides; and a hand-knotted fringe on three sides. 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. During her visit to HD on July 28-29, 2011, Ms. Bakkom noted that the use of the eagle and the large size suggested an earlier mid 19th century date although the tufted whitework candlewicking was mainly done in the late 19th century. 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:
Embroidery; Cotton; Textile fabrics Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+95.800 |
