Appliqued and embroidered table cover, ca. 1830-1840, New Hampshire. A whimsical table cover that epitomizes some of the finest elements of folk art table covers in this period.  Appliqued onto a dark blue wool ground, three oversized and stylized urns overflow with embroidered flowers in shades of blue and coral.  Hand-loomed tapes “fence in” more embroidered flowers, birds, and ducks.  The entire piece is bordered in ribbons.  All hand sewn.  In excellent condition. Professionally mounted.  Dimensions:  31” x 33”. 

 

Provenance:  Jonathan Holstein (renown textile collector and author); Exhibited in 1984 at the Whitney Museum of American Art: ''Flowers in Folk Art - an exhibition of art work and other items from the late 1700's to the early 1900's”. The display traces the history of the use of floral patterns in folk art and is part of the exhibition ''Reflections of Nature: Flowers in American Art”; M. Finkle and Daughter (Amy Finkle).

 

Published in Crib Quilts and Other Small Wonders, Thomas Woodward and Blanche Greenstein, Plate 127.