Linen, Table
Object number2016.13.6
Artist
Rosalia Mazzotti
OriginMontecorvino Pugliano, Salerno, Italy
MediumFabric
Credit LineGift of Norina H. Daubner
DescriptionRectangular woven coarse white cloth. Handmade. Short ends have scalloped crochet trim.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 42 × 28 × 0.063 in. (106.7 × 71.1 × 0.2 cm)Historical NotesThe donor Norina H. Daubner's family saved biancheria, or linenware, from her maternal grandmother, Rosalia “Rose” Mazzotti, in a trousseau, also known as a corredo in Italian. Both sides of the donor’s family emigrated from the village of Montecorvino Pugliano outside Salerno. It is presumed that the tablecloths, shams, runner and nightgown were created as a part of a dowry per the Italian marriage tradition; this assumption is based on the quality of the stitching and the use of the greeting Buon Giorno on the bedding. Italian women began the process of building their corredo as children (some women even grew the flax that they then wove into linen). Based on the size of the table cloths, it is also assumed that the pieces were made in Italy as the donor relayed that the table in their East Liberty dining room was much too small to accommodate such a large linen. It was typical for Italian immigrants to migrate with their handwoven linens. Both tablecloths are an example of cutwork embroidery and have staining that is evidence of use. The woven table cover with crocheted detailing is less formal than the other linens; it is assumed that this would have been used as an everyday linen.
Previous owner
Rosalia Mazzotti
Related person
Rose Rinaldy
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Rosalia Mazzotti
Beth Israel Congregation
