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National Gallery of Art - THE COLLECTION
image of Linen Bag
Linen Bag
Rendered by Joseph Goldberg (artist), c. 1936
watercolor and graphite on paper
overall: 26 x 27.5 cm (10 1/4 x 10 13/16 in.)
Index of American Design
1943.8.2831
From the Tour: Shaker Crafts from the Index of American Design
Object 2 of 17

Weaving was a craft assigned to Shaker women, known as "sisters." They produced a variety of fabrics such as woolens, cottons, linens, and silk. Although made primarily for use within the community, Shaker fabrics were sold to the outside world as well. Shakers usually shunned decorative designs, but they were not opposed to the restrained geometric patterns that were readily produced on the loom. By incorporating three colors -- blue, tan, and white in these pieces -- designs could be woven that expressed the Shaker appreciation for pattern and color.

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