Headcloth
EmbroidererProbably made by a member of the
Punderson family
American
Date1795-1815
MediumHand-stitched embroidery; crewel wool on plain-woven linen; woven tape
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 60 x 59in. (152.4 x 149.9cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Newton C. Brainard
DescriptionHeadcloth, part of a set of bed hangings consisting of two bedcurtains (.a, .b), a headcloth (.c), three valances (.d-.f), a pillowcase (.g) and a fragment (.h). The bedhangings are hand-stitched with crewel, or two-ply worsted wool, on a plain-woven linen ground. The wool on these bedhangings is in many colors, including red, pink, dark medium and light blue, blue-green, light green, dark green, gold, yellow, tan, and cream.
The headcloth is nearly square and embroidered with three vertical columns of four floral designs each. In the center is a baluster-shaped vase containing a spray of flowers. The other, smaller designs consist of flowers and berries on stems with leaves.
The headcloth is constructed of two panels of linen that were hand-stitched downthe center together prior to the embroidery. Each side of the headcloth has a selvedge while the top and bottom each have a 3/16-inch double-turned hem. The top edge of the headcloth has three tape loops for hanging.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the headcloth is outline; it also includes encroaching satin, roumanian (oriental), buttonhole, and long and short.
Condition: Portions of the crewel embroidery, in the center, bottom center, and lower right corner have been reinforced with couching stitches in white thread through the ground. Small areas of crewel wool are missing from scattered areas on the headcloth. Some of the wool has been abraded and has started to unravel. Some of the crewel has faded.
The headcloth is nearly square and embroidered with three vertical columns of four floral designs each. In the center is a baluster-shaped vase containing a spray of flowers. The other, smaller designs consist of flowers and berries on stems with leaves.
The headcloth is constructed of two panels of linen that were hand-stitched downthe center together prior to the embroidery. Each side of the headcloth has a selvedge while the top and bottom each have a 3/16-inch double-turned hem. The top edge of the headcloth has three tape loops for hanging.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the headcloth is outline; it also includes encroaching satin, roumanian (oriental), buttonhole, and long and short.
Condition: Portions of the crewel embroidery, in the center, bottom center, and lower right corner have been reinforced with couching stitches in white thread through the ground. Small areas of crewel wool are missing from scattered areas on the headcloth. Some of the wool has been abraded and has started to unravel. Some of the crewel has faded.
Object number1962.28.2c
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