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Tablecloth

Tablecloth
Tablecloth
Tablecloth
Status
Not on view
Label Text

The intricately woven designs of damask table linens epitomized luxury in the eighteenth century. This example, which features a grand bouquet surrounded by florid, meandering vines, was likely among the "19 fine damask Table Cloths" listed in the inventory of household goods taken after George Washington's death. While the tablecloth provided protective covering during the main course of a meal, it was afterwards removed and the dessert course presented on the polished surface of the table.

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Date1780 - 1800
Geography Possibly made - Ireland
Medium/TechniqueLinen
DimensionsOverall (H x W): 145 in. × 85 3/8 in. (368.3 cm × 216.85 cm)
Credit LinePurchase, 1956
Object numberW-2175
DescriptionFive-end satin damask linen tablecloth; a rectangular reserve features a large bouquet of flowers tied with a ribbon at the center surrounded by rows of evenly spaced floral sprigs; the reserve is framed with a border of a serpentine floral vine, interrupted by floral bouquets at each corner which include such flowers as lily-of-the-valley, daisies, bachelor's buttons, and sprigs of berries; this is framed by a three-row checkered border on the outer edge of the tablecloth; each short end of the tablecloth is finished in a .19 - . 25" rolled hem.
Published References

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