Description:
Cotton whitework coverlet in two panels of bleached cotton twill weave embroidered with cording and tufts which were probably purchased separately and then appliquéd on in a style known as "candlewicking" because of the thick thread's resemblance to a candle's wick, which the donor bought in Whately, Massachusetts. 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. However, Gail Bakkom also suggests that example should be called embroidered whitework since the embroidery is more prominently different stitches that the normal tufting and/or knotting of cendlewick.. The coverlet has a center motif of an abstracted floral or cornucopia (embroidered over the vertical seam in the central panel) surrounded by a square-shaped border consisting of overlapping circles surrounded on three sides by a meandering floral vine motif. Above the center motif is a rectangular cartouche that is empty inside, but that would have been filled in with the maker’s/owner’s name, year, and possibly where she lived. At the top center of the coverlet are two opposing hearts (mirror image) on their sides, which suggest this coverlet could have been made in preparation for a marriage. Attached on three sides are skirt panels or flaps, depicting fan-shaped flowers, with scalloped edges; slits at either bottom corner accommodate bed posts There are several repairs that were likely done in the 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:
Textile fabrics; Cotton; Embroidery Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+F.876 |
