Historic Americana
“Listed Maker” Jacquard Coverlet Signed & Dated 1847
1847-Dated, Woven Wool and Cotton, Jacquard Coverlet, made by “P. Rasweiler - Millersburg - F. Shoffner 1847,” About Extremely Fine.
This lovely Mid 19th Century, Jacquard Coverlet measures 72” x 102.5” and is inscribed “Made by “P. Rasweiler - Millersburg - F. Shoffner 1847,” of a single panel, with a pattern of sunbursts and geometric devices, enclosed in a "Grapevine" border. This coverlet is Signed and Dated in both lower corner blocks. It is woven in blue, red, white and olive yarns, with blue, red and olive applied wool fringe on the two sides and bottom. There are some minor losses of fringe, and a separation of 4” of fringe, otherwise, overall this 150 year old coverlet is quite bright, colorful and attractive. Ph. Rassweiler of Orwigsburgh, Pennsylvania, is listed as a "Professional Weaver" in “America's Quilts and Coverlets,” by Carleton L. Safford and Robert Bishop (see page 277).
Joseph Jacquard (1752-1834) recognized that weaving, although an intricate and delicate task, was highly repetitive task. He believed that the weaving of complex patterns could be automated. He conceived a system that relied on stiff, pasteboard cards with various patterns of punched holes. At each throw of the shuttle a card was placed in the path of the rods. The pattern of holes in the card determined which rods could pass through, and thus acted as a program for the loom. This control system allowed for flexibility and various levels of complexity in the patterns.