geometric (overall production method/technique; pattern)
double cloth (overall production method/technique)
wool, linen (overall material)
blue, red (overall color)
indigo (overall material)
madder (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 82 in x 78 in; 208.28 cm x 198.12 cm
Object Name:
coverlet, geometric
coverlet
Place made:
United States: Pennsylvania
Date made:
first half 19th century
1800-1850
Description:
Landes/Hutchinson-style, geometric design with pine tree border; coverlet; double-woven; plain weave; 1800-1850, Pennsylvania. Geometric, double weave, all-wool, 2-ply, s-twist, warp and wefts, red & light and dark blue. Unsure if dyes are synthetic or natural, but knowing this information could help narrow the manufacture date range. The dyes are likely indigo and madder. The repeating, geometric pattern is similar to the Landes #42, 43, 50, 51 and 57 and Hutchinson/Landes #37, 58, and 60, with a "Pine Tree" border. The coverlet is made up of two 39" panels joined together in a matching center seam. The seam has been restitched in a 3-ply cotton. The pattern is an 11 sq. inch repeat made up of 2.75" checks containing 25 dots each. There appears to have been a fringe along the bottom left over from weaving that has worn off. The sides are left as selvedge and the top is hemmed unevenly. The border pattern repeat meausres 5.5"x7" and features 2 crossed "pine tree" corner blocks. The condition of the coverlet is good and the colors are very bright, which warrants further examination to deternine if they may be analine. There are 3 patched holes at the bottom right and bottom seam that are made from the same pattern and materials as the coverlet, possibly taken from the top? This coverlet was part of a traveling exhibition in 1975-76. This coverlet along with an another were donated in 1968. The other coverlet is linked to Miss Kirkpatrick's grandfather, Samuel Piper of Oakville, PA, and this coverlet may very well have been made by the same person or come from the same area. The style and design would indicate that it was made in Southeastern, PA.
