In 1843, Harry Tyler wove this coverlet in Butterville, New York, based on the lion design contained within the two corner blocks along with the border of stylized trees and picket fences. Eight versions of the lion corner block were made. Coverlets like this one were nearly always woven by professional male weavers. Employing a handloom with an attached jacquard device, this coverlet was woven in a double weave, a technique which employs two sets of warps and wefts and produces a two-layered reversible fabric.  

The son of parents of English descent, Tyler was born in Connecticut in 1801, eventually moving to Butterville, where he was established as a weaver by 1834. It is not known where he learned his trade, but he is known for his meticulous workmanship and innovative designs, and is considered one of the most important 19th-century American weavers. Over 300 surviving coverlets can be attributed to Harry Tyler or his son Elman who carried on the business after his father’s death in 1858.