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Pennsylvania German Show Towel Rendered by Charlotte Angus watercolor and graphite on paper overall: 55.9 x 42.2 cm (22 x 16 5/8 in.) Original IAD Object: 17 1/4" wide; 55" long Index of American Design 1943.8.2898 |
Object 8 of 23
Like elaborately decorated pottery and Jacquard coverlets, "show towels" were made primarily for display rather than for use. They were often hung as decorations on doors or were used to hide more functional towels when guests appeared. Many show towels were made by young girls in anticipation of marriage. Show towels were woven of flax and carefully embroidered. This example is linen decorated with traditional flower and bird motifs. The inscription, worked in cross-stitch, reads: "Samuel L. Weaver 1838 When This You See Remember Me Maria Weaver."
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