Wholecloth (69.215)

Whitework counterpane, no backing, filling, or quilting, 3-ply cotton roving embroidered on twill weave cotton.

The central design is a stylized tree of life pattern with a spray of flowers and foliage blooming from an urn. The inner border has a floral and foliate vine emerging from vases or possibly stylized cornucopia. The outer border is a wide satin stitch meandering vine with flowers and foliage with a bow and tassel in each corner. A bird is embroidered on each side of the counterpane among the foliage of the outer border. The bird on the left side has a small heart embroidered within it and holds a worm in its mouth.

Stitches include bullion, buttonhole, satin, stem, feather, herringbone, and French knots.

The counterpane is edged on left side and bottom with a knitted fringe with a zig-zag pattern, 3" wide. The other two sides are self-binding, front to back,.25" wide. The ground cotton is in three panels, the right panel being narrower than selvage to selvage.

Provenance Narrative
Donor history states that this counterpane was made by Sarah Eugenia Coker (1789-1881) daughter of Drury Corker and Elizabeth/Mary Gary. It is thought to be an original design by the maker and made for her 1816 marriage to a maternal cousin, William C. Gary (1790-1867).

Place Made
United States SOUTH CAROLINA Laurens County