double weave (overall production method/technique)
trees (border pattern)
Double Lily (center pattern)
blue (overall color)
white (overall color)
cotton (overall material)
wool (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 84 in x 82 in; 213.36 cm x 208.28 cm
Object Name:
coverlet, figured
Place made:
United States: New York, Cayuga
Date made:
1830
Description:
This blue and white double-cloth, Figured and Fancy coverlet was possibly made in Scipio, New York in 1830. There are “Double Lily” carpet medallions in the centerfield, and three borders depicting fruit trees, pine trees, and trees with no leaves. It is possible that this border pattern is attempting to represent the changing of the seasons from bare to leaf, to fruiting, and back again. The lower two corner blocks have this woven in: "E.V/Valen/tine/Scipio/N.Y. 1830". According to the donor, the coverlet was made for her grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Hilliker Valentine (1782-1874). The weaver of Scipio coverlets has yet to be discovered. There is no evidence of active weavers working in Scipio; however, there are numerous weavers in Cayuga County. Many of these weavers advertised in local newspapers with several different locations where customers could order their coverlets, drop off their wool yarn, and then pick up the finished coverlet. It likely that the Valentine family placed the order for this coverlet at a local general store of inn, where the yarn and order was taken to a weaver or small manufactory in the county.
