Candlewick Bed Covering
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Esther M. C. Peck
(American, 1799 - 1828)
Date1824
MediumEmbroidery; cotton yarn (three-ply), cotton thread on a compound-weave cotton ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 98 1/2 x 92in. (250.2 x 233.7cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Miss Jessie A. Parsons
Object number1954.31.0
DescriptionCandlewick bed covering, consisting of a single layer of compound-weave cotton decorated with embroidered three-ply cotton yarn; the bed covering is embroidered with the inscription "Esther C. Peck's Counterpane made in the year 1824". The candlewick decoration consists of a geometric star design at the center surrounded by four baskets, or flowerpots, with a spray of flowers; these are surrounded by four concentric borders of alternating undulating geometric designs and evenly spaced sprays of flowers with small designs incorporating hearts. Above the top geometric border is the inscription. This is all surrounded by a pair of borders, each consisting of three parallel lines; these borders are separated by a border of evenly spaced designs alternating between eight-pointed stars and four hearts forming a flower, or four-leaf clover. The sides and bottom edge of the bed covering have a cotton fringe.
The bed covering is constructed of three panels of compound-weave cotton; these are hand-stitched together at the selvedge. The top and bottom edges of the ground have a double-turned hem; each side edge of the bed covering ends at the selvedge. The candlwick design is formed with a rope stitch.
Condition: The top edge of of the bed covering, both front and back, have accumulated light amounts of dirt. There is a darker brown stain at the top center back of the ground. The back of the ground has strips and blocks of yellowing and accumulations of dirt along former fold lines, especially at the left side.
NotesNote: The embroidered star designs are reminiscent of nineteenth century pieced quilt designs. (Hunt 11/9/2007)The bed covering is constructed of three panels of compound-weave cotton; these are hand-stitched together at the selvedge. The top and bottom edges of the ground have a double-turned hem; each side edge of the bed covering ends at the selvedge. The candlwick design is formed with a rope stitch.
Condition: The top edge of of the bed covering, both front and back, have accumulated light amounts of dirt. There is a darker brown stain at the top center back of the ground. The back of the ground has strips and blocks of yellowing and accumulations of dirt along former fold lines, especially at the left side.
Status
Not on view
