Woven by hand in the late 18th century, this extraordinary American linen coverlet is a rare and striking example of pre-industrial textile craft. Loomed before the advent of Jacquard weaving (c.1825), it reflects the ingenuity and precision of early domestic weavers, working with narrow looms and limited tools—but a sharp eye for pattern. Constructed in two panels and hand-stitched at center, the coverlet is dyed in a deeply saturated indigo, with the geometric design unfolding in undyed linen: bold checks and jagged zigzag stripes that march rhythmically across the field. A three-sided border continues the visual intensity, with even larger-scale checks and zigzags anchoring the composition. Coverlets of this period were both practical and expressive—made in the home or by local weavers using homespun yarns, vegetable dyes, and traditional overshot patterns. This example stands out for its scale, color, and graphic clarity. It’s not just utilitarian—it’s artful, architectural, and undeniably modern in its visual punch. A true early American masterpiece.

APPROX: 67 in. W x 87 in. H