Bed Rug
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Esther Lyman
(American, 1750 - 1828)
ConservatorConserved by
Mrs. John Washeba
Date1771
MediumHand-embroidered wool on a plain-woven wool ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 88 x 80 1/2in. (223.5 x 204.5cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of John T. Whitman
DescriptionBed rug made of cut-loop embroidered green, light and dark blue, yellow, cream, gold, and undyed wool on a plain-woven wool background. The pattern includes a large, roughly diamond-shaped area above the center of the bed rug, filled in with a group of four flowers. An oversized flower is embroidered to each side and below the diamond. These three oversized flowers have vines, sprays of blue leaves, and cream and gold tulips extending from each side, filling the corners of the bed rug. The background is blue and various shades of green. The initials and date "EL/ 1771" are embroidered at the top of the bed rug. The ground fabric is plain-woven with a horizontal stripe; it consists of at least three separate panels that are stitched together. The bottom corners of the bed rug are curved.
Condition: The embroidered wool has faded or disintegrated in many areas. The ground is exposed or has holes in several areas. The background and center of many flowers have been significantly filled in with later wool. The ground is reinforced with heavy canvas around each edge and across significant portions of the pattern.
Condition: The embroidered wool has faded or disintegrated in many areas. The ground is exposed or has holes in several areas. The background and center of many flowers have been significantly filled in with later wool. The ground is reinforced with heavy canvas around each edge and across significant portions of the pattern.
Object number1963.8.1
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