Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1965.23.1 |
Object Name |
Quilt |
Description |
Silk patchwork quilt of pieces sewn together with different fancy stitches. Some plain stitches embroidered with flowers, birds, etc. The backing is rose cotton. In the crazy quilting technique, irregularly shaped pieces of fabric are sewn together and embroidered to create harmonizing colors and textures. Crazy quilting became popular in America in the late 1800s, as fancy fabrics like silk and velvet became more affordable and widely available. Many quilts included fanciful embroidered or appliqued imagery, including birds, flowers, children at play, and here, a rare image of a fairy. While unsure of its origin, scholars believe crazy quilts may have been influenced by Japanese art and needlecraft. Initially the quilts served mainly as decorative pieces, but evolved to become more functional bedding as women saw the quilts as a thrifty way to use up scraps of cloth. |
Title |
Crazy Quilt |
Date |
c. 1900 |
Material |
silk | cotton | embroidery |
Dimensions |
W-70 L-71 inches |
Credit line |
Gift from Robert Van Deventer |
Subjects |
Birds Children Embroidery Fairies Flowers Quilting Quilts Textile art Textiles Women |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |