Images(4)

Parlor Table Mat

Periodca. 1890

Place MadePossibly United States

MediumWool, silk cording

Dimensions33 × 34 in. (83.8 × 86.4 cm)

ClassificationsHousehold Textiles

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object numberT1974.175.2

DescriptionA decorative table mat, square, constructed of sturdy brown wool broadcloth with a slight nap, bound on all four sides with a twisted green and pale pink heavy silk cord edging. All four corners include a large, heavy green, pink, and oyster white silk tassel with bow loop attachment. The mat is lined with thin cotton batting and backed with dull brownish pink silk brocade. The top surface of the mat is heavily ornamented with extensive floral and foliate three-dimensional embroidery in brightly colored wool crewel threads and felted wool elements. Each corner includes mums, roses, berries, grapes, and many smaller blossoms, vines and leaves.
Curatorial RemarksThe complexity of the floral and foliate embroidery on this decorative table mat indicates it most likely was a commercially produced product. Women's magazines of the later 19th century included numerous patterns and plans for homemade mats, bureau scarves, table runners, and lamp mats embroidered with flowers, beads, wool and silk threads, and other materials. Many women were skilled needlewomen, able to produce highly accomplished decorative items for their homes and as gifts. At the same time, the popularity for colorful and eyecatching soft furnishings created a demand for professionally made items. Embroidered items were also imported into the United States from other countries such as Germany, France, and Great Britain.NotesThe unknown owner of this eyecatching and colorfully sculptural textile would have used it as a cover for a parlor table. Marble-topped tables were quite popular in the third and fourth quarters of the 19th century. They were often placed in the center of a parlor and used to hold an oil lamp and other decorative items. The mat's three-dimensional embroidery would have provided both visual enjoyment as well as being the topic of conversation. By 1900, extensively ornamented home furnishings of this type were fast falling out of fashion, replaced by the streamlined simplicity of Art Deco.

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