Art Institute of Chicago

Coverlet

United States, Probably Pennsylvania

Date

1820-40

Medium

Cotton and wool, composite point twill weave (star work, multiple shaft); two loom widths joined; with attached plain weave strip with weft fringe

Culture

Pennsylvania

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute's Department of Textiles has a distinguished, wide-ranging collection of 221 American coverlets, or bedcovers. A recent donation of six examples of the very rare star work type has strengthened the museum's holdings significantly, as this category was previously represented by only two pieces. This type of coverlet is named for the complex star and diamond pattern which is characteristic of and made possible by the multiple shafts or harnesses employed, sometimes as many as 24.

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