Description:
Red, copper plate printed handkerchief with 5 circular designs based on the story of "The Prodigal Son" Center design is "St Luke the Evangelist" (H: 9 1/8" x 9 1/4"). Each corner design (same size) is different: 1. Taking leave of his father; 2. Reveling with harlots; 3. In misery; 4. Returned home reclaimed. 3/4" border around all sides with a fine rolled hem at top and bottom. Small slash shaped pieces form the all-over background design. This single-color, inexpensively-produced accessory provided entertainment and was affordable to a wide range of people. Handkerchiefs like this were imported to the United States in large numbers during the early 19th century. Enterprising American firms like the Boston Chemical Company (incorporated 1834) also produced handkerchiefs like this. Multiple handkerchiefs were printed on lengths of cotton; the scrolling border on all four sides acted as a marker for cutting out individual handkerchiefs for sale. The printing was done using engraved copper plates, which allowed for more detailed, finer designs that wooden block prints. The presence of two blue threads in this handkerchief's selvage suggest English manufacture.
Subjects:
Textile fabrics; Copper; Cotton Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+96.048 |
