Bearing Cloth

DateTextile 1650-1660; made late 17th-early 18th c.(?)

MediumSilk woven with silk and metal threads in supplementary weft patterning; tabby silk lining; trimmed with metallic bobbin lace (metallics wrapped around silk core.)

DimensionsOW: 25 1/4" OL: 29 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1985-215,1

DescriptionBearing cloth or cradle cover (with matching cap #2) of brown silk woven with silk and metal threads in a design of tightly-coiling floral leaves and stems woven in a supplementary weft float structure. The cloth is an elongated trapezoid, edged on all four sides with an inner border of 2"-wide metallic lace and an outer border of 1/2"-wide metallic lace. Six metal hooks are sewn to each side near the top for securing to a cradle or other support. Cream silk tabby lining.