Quilt, c. 1840
Star of Bethlehem pattern, Maker unknown
Cotton and printed chintz; 101 x 100 in.
Gift of William R. Moran
Bowers Museum # 2002.14.86
Expertly made by an unknown quilt maker, this very fine quilt features the elaborate and difficult to construct Star of Bethlehem design. This particular pattern requires great skill; if the diamond shaped pieces of the star are not accurately cut then the quilt will curl. Star of Bethlehem quilts combine a variety of fabrics and colors in their composition - this particular quilt incorporates an exceptional collection of expensive materials. Repeating green triangles, called a dogtooth pattern, borders the quilt and visually emphasizes the four corners which contain images of lush trees and exotic birds. Cut pieces of printed chintz fabric, these additional motifs were skillfully appliquéd to the quilt top to add further embellishment. The quilt is large in size and was made to lie over the type of bed, typical in the period it was made, that was raised high above the floor to avoid cold drafts.
Featured in the exhibition American Quilts: Two Hundred Years of History this quilt and more than 30 other examples will be on display in the Anderson-Hsu-Tu Gallery beginning September 20, 2008. Spanning a history of 200 years, the works of art in this exhibition illustrate the historical, social, and artistic value of the American quilt.
Star of Bethlehem pattern, Maker unknown
Cotton and printed chintz; 101 x 100 in.
Gift of William R. Moran
Bowers Museum # 2002.14.86
Expertly made by an unknown quilt maker, this very fine quilt features the elaborate and difficult to construct Star of Bethlehem design. This particular pattern requires great skill; if the diamond shaped pieces of the star are not accurately cut then the quilt will curl. Star of Bethlehem quilts combine a variety of fabrics and colors in their composition - this particular quilt incorporates an exceptional collection of expensive materials. Repeating green triangles, called a dogtooth pattern, borders the quilt and visually emphasizes the four corners which contain images of lush trees and exotic birds. Cut pieces of printed chintz fabric, these additional motifs were skillfully appliquéd to the quilt top to add further embellishment. The quilt is large in size and was made to lie over the type of bed, typical in the period it was made, that was raised high above the floor to avoid cold drafts.
Featured in the exhibition American Quilts: Two Hundred Years of History this quilt and more than 30 other examples will be on display in the Anderson-Hsu-Tu Gallery beginning September 20, 2008. Spanning a history of 200 years, the works of art in this exhibition illustrate the historical, social, and artistic value of the American quilt.
All images and text under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use.
1 comments:
Gorgeous quilt! I'd love to make one myself some day.
Post a Comment