Candlewick Bed Covering
EmbroidererPossibly made by
Polly Atkins
American
Dateearly 19th century
MediumEmbroidery; cotton yarn (two-ply) and cotton thread on a compound-weave cotton ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 97 1/2 x 97in. (247.7 x 246.4cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Thomas Archibald
DescriptionCandlewick bed covering, consisting of a single layer of compound-weave cotton decorated with embroidered two-ply cotton yarn; the bed covering is embroidered with the initials "PA" at the top center. The bed covering is T shaped, with square cut-outs at each lower corner to accommodate the corners of a bed. The candlewick decoration consists of a basket of flowers in the center below a crescent moon and stars, a pair of Federal eagles, and the initials "P" and "A". This is surrounded by a wide border of fruit, leaves and flowers on an undulating vine. At the sides and bottom of the quilt are additional concentric borders of a scalloped border of stars, additional Federal eagles, and a border of six-pointed flowers and crossing lines to create a geometric design. Each side and the bottom edges of the bed covering have a knotted net edging with fringe.
The compound-woven cotton ground is constructed of four panels of fabric that are hand-stitched together. All four edges of the ground have a double-turned hem. The candlewick design is formed with many stitches, including outline, running, rope, french knots, roumanian, satin, fern, and buttonhole. The stitches that form the initials are a different character than the rest, and may be a later addition.
Condition: The ground has slight staining across the top. Otherwise, the ground and stitches are in excellent condition.
The compound-woven cotton ground is constructed of four panels of fabric that are hand-stitched together. All four edges of the ground have a double-turned hem. The candlewick design is formed with many stitches, including outline, running, rope, french knots, roumanian, satin, fern, and buttonhole. The stitches that form the initials are a different character than the rest, and may be a later addition.
Condition: The ground has slight staining across the top. Otherwise, the ground and stitches are in excellent condition.
Object number1985.20.27
On View
Not on viewThere are no works to discover for this record.