Object Details
maker
unknown
Description
The uncomplicated quilting and simple tulip motifs rendered in red and green make this a striking example of mid-19th century quilting. The quilt is from donor Mary Newman's family, long-time residents of Somerset, Kentucky.
The pieced tulips are appliquéd on 16 ½-inch blocks, which are set diagonally. They alternate with plain white blocks of the same dimensions. The tulips are quilted with close parallel lines, filling the shape and following the outlines. The background is 3/8-inch straight grid quilting.
The “Tulip” quilt came to the Museum in 1936. At the time Edith B. Newman wrote, “I have a very beautiful [quilt] . . . early handmade and very artistic . . . which I inherited from my husband’s family. . . . I am growing old and have no immediate heirs who might appreciate it. . . . [It should] bear the name of my deceased husband’s sister [Mary] as its donor.”
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Miss Mary Newman
date made
1840-1860
ID Number
TE.T07886
accession number
141830
catalog number
T07886
Object Name
quilt
Physical Description
fabric, cotton (overall material)
thread, cotton (overall material)
filling, cotton (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 92 1/2 in x 69 in; 235 cm x 175 cm
place made
United States: Kentucky, Somerset
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Textiles
Domestic Furnishings
Quilts
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Quilting
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_556326