Object Details
- Description
- This Figured and Fancy, tied-Beiderwand coverlet has horizontal stripes of pink [rose], white, gold, light and dark brown and fringe on three sides, It is possible that some of the colors visible today have faded due to age, light, and the dyes used. The fringe along the sides was created by the wool weft yarns and has mostly worn away over time. The centerfield pattern features the “Double Lily” and starburst carpet medallions. The border found on three sides of the coverlet feature addorsed Distelfinken (thistle finches) and rosebushes and Hom (tree of life). The two cornerblock show the name, Franz Rether, and the date 1844. There is no record of a weaver by that name, and Rether was likely the customer. More research is needed to determine just who Franz Rether was. Due to the pattern and color arrangement of this coverlet, it was likely made in Pennsylvania. Genealogical research revealed that Pennsylvania in the 1840s was full of families named Rether, Ritter, and Reiter, all of which have similar pronunciations. Adams County, Pennsylvania had a large number of Rether families living there in the 1840s, and it is possible that this is where the coverlet was woven.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- Date made
- 1830
- 1844
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. John W. N. Schulz
- Physical Description
- Figured and Fancy (overall production method/technique)
- tied-Beiderwand (overall production method/technique)
- Double Lily (center pattern)
- pink (overall color)
- white (overall color)
- gold (overall color)
- brown (overall color)
- wool (overall material)
- cotton (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 104 in x 75 in; 264.16 cm x 190.5 cm
- Object Name
- coverlet, figured
- coverlet
