Napkin

Object Name:

Napkin

Object ID:

1998.024.15

Place of Origin:

Concord, NH

Date:

1813-1847

Description:

Napkin. Linen damask in natural off-white color. Woven with a design of sprays of fruit, including grapes, pears, plums, pineapple, and various stylized leaves and flowers throughout center field. Border is a swag and bowknot, followed by a floral border. One side is selvedge and three sides are narrow-hemmed by hand. Inked inscription near one corner: "M. Fisk / No. 5".

Material:

Textile
Linen

Dimensions:

W-25 L-31.75 inches

Provenance:

Typewritten note pinned to napkin (removed to accession folder): "This napkin says M. Fisk No. 1 / Mary or Polly Walker, my great- grandmother was born in Concord N.H. in 1786, became a Widow Emery, and married again Francis Fisk in 1813. So I suppose she started fresh with some napkins, for she had kept house long enough as Mrs Emery to have 2 children, & her father was considered a wealthy man, a good provider. This looks like hand woven linen, but its age could not be before 1813."

Credit Line:

Gift of Henry B. Shepard, Jr., Anne S. Bullis, and G. Dudley Shepard

People:

Fisk, Mary (1786-1847)