Prototype. Chapter text drafted from the research notes and not yet checked at the archives. Images awaiting permission are marked.

Counterpane, tufted (1850)

Object · not yet checked at the source

Made by: unknown
Date: 1850
Held by: National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Number: 1994.0305.01
Size: 78 in x 98 in (198.12 x 248.92 cm)
Themes: Hooked & handmade rugs, Woven carpet

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Cite this source

unknown. Counterpane, tufted (1850), 1850. National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, 1994.0305.01. collections.si.edu/search/detail/edanmdm:nmah_1167059.

Research notes

NMAH record: Object Name "Counterpane, Tufted"; maker unknown; place made United States; date made 1850; "fabric, cotton (overall material) ; woven; tufted; jacquard (overall production method/technique)"; 78 x 98 in. Companion: 1994.0305.02, dated 1875. Why it matters: Before the machine, open question "tufted work between the candlewick spreads and Catherine Evans (c. 1850-1890)": a museum-dated 1850 tufted cotton counterpane. The jacquard technique suggests loom-woven tufts, not needle-tufted; check the object. Found: Smithsonian Collections Search, search "tufted", 2026-10-28.