Tray Cloth

Object name

Tray cloth

Date made

Mid 20th century

Place made

Europe

Description

A linen whitework tray cloth, which depicts two rows of townhouses using pulled and drawn techniques.

Content description

This large rectangular tray cloth rendered on linen features pulled and drawn thread whitework techniques and depicts two rows of six townhouses which face each other. A horizontal line of drawn thread work squares with satin stitches separates the two rows, giving the appearance of a canal.

The houses, which vary in size, are largely bordered by couched threads. Their windows are stitched in a range of pulled and drawn motifs which are frequently bordered by chain stitch. Satin stitch squares and rectangles also feature on the buildings, which are generally tall and thin, much like those seen along Dutch canals. Several eyelets feature on the buildings. Trees, with long trunks made of couched threads and leaves rendered in lazy daisy stitch, intersperse several of the dwellings. A simple hemmed border completes the piece.

The thread is in good condition and the motifs are large in size for a whitework piece. The object was likely produced in the mid 20th century, probably in the home. At this time whitework techniques were often used to adorn domestic furnishings such as cushions, table cloths, and napkins.