Object Details
maker
unknown
Description
This example of an early 19th-century whole cloth quilt has an unusual design. Four sprays of large flowers, leaves, and clusters of berries begin in each of the corners and meet in the center of the quilt. They are framed by a wide scrolling vine with a 2 ½ -inch feathered band along the outer edge.
The fabric for this quilt was dyed blue with indigo, one of the oldest dyes used for textiles. Glazing, a process involving the use of a hot press on wool fabric, resulted in a smooth, lustrous fabric surface.
The motifs in the design are all outline quilted, 8-9 stitches/inch. The background, parallel diagonal lines quilted ¼-inch apart, further enhances the overall design. The lining is a tan and blue plaid wool/cotton fabric. There is no binding the front and lining are turned in and sewn with a running stitch.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Anthony Levy
date made
1800-1815
ID Number
1981.1020.08
catalog number
1981.1020.08
accession number
1981.1020
Object Name
quilt
Physical Description
fabric, wool, cotton/wool (overall material)
thread, wool, linen (overall material)
filling, wool (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 96 in x 91 in; 244 cm x 231 cm
place made
World
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Domestic Furnishings
Textiles
Quilts
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Quilting
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_556180