David Gentleman

An unusual quilt with sections that look like children's drawings.

This extraordinary hand-stitched quilt, dating to the American Civil War era (circa 1860–1870), originates from the deep South—likely Alabama or Georgia—and stands as a powerful example of African American folk artistry during one of the most pivotal periods in American history. Crafted from wool and homespun blankets, the quilt features a striking design of diagonally pieced squares composed of repurposed clothing in shades of navy, brown, red, and gray. These textiles are believed to be remnants of garments worn during the Civil War, transformed through necessity and creativity into a work of enduring beauty and cultural significance. The back of the quilt is made from a bold red and gray striped textile, adding a distinctive visual contrast. Quilts like this—made by African Americans in the Reconstruction-era South—are exceedingly rare and deeply meaningful. They embody both resilience and resourcefulness, and serve as powerful expressions of heritage, survival, and artistic identity. This particular quilt comes from the collection of a Civil Rights attorney who has spent decades practicing in Alabama and Georgia, with a devoted interest in preserving African American folk art from the Civil War era. Its provenance adds another layer of depth and historical significance. Highly collectible and increasingly sought after, 19th-century African American Southern quilts are not only valuable artifacts—they are irreplaceable cultural legacies. Dimensions: 63” x 73” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: Alabama, United States Material: Cotton, wool Condition: Good The Persian Knot, SKU 1982 African American Quilts...

Immerse yourself in the artistry and heritage of early American craftsmanship with this exquisite mid-1800s appliqué quilt, lovingly hand-stitched in Pennsylvania. Featuring a charming “Floral” pattern, the quilt displays delicate pink and orange blossoms with graceful green stems and leaves, all beautifully arranged on a soft ivory background. Each flower was individually cut, placed, and stitched by hand, creating a rich tapestry of color and texture. Framed by meticulously crafted panels, this quilt is a remarkable example of the care and precision that define 19th-century American textile art. This quilt is more than just a coverlet—it is a heartfelt expression of dedication and artistry. As a true antique, it holds immense historical and collectible value. Its timeless beauty and delicate nature make it a stunning candidate for wall display, transforming any space into a gallery of vintage elegance. Whether cherished as a collector’s piece or admired as wall art, this rare floral appliqué quilt is a captivating tribute to America’s quilting legacy. Dimensions: 78” x 81” Date of Manufacture: Mid 19th Century Place of Origin: Pennsylvania, United States Material: Cotton, Applique Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot, SKU 2282 American Applique Quilts, Vintage Pennsylvania Quilts, Antique Applique Quilts, Applique Quilts, Pennsylvania Applique Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt, Vintage Log...

This exquisite American appliqué quilt, hand-stitched in Pennsylvania during the late 1800s, is a remarkable example of 19th-century textile artistry. Featuring a charming “Floral” pattern, the quilt showcases delicate red and pink blossoms with graceful green stems and leaves, all set against a soft ivory background. Each element of the design was individually hand-cut and appliquéd with meticulous care, framed within panels that speak to the quilter’s precision and patience. The result is a visually stunning composition that radiates warmth, craftsmanship, and heartfelt dedication. Quilts of this era—especially those entirely hand-stitched—are increasingly rare and highly collectible, prized for their historical value and timeless beauty. Due to its delicacy and artistic appeal, this quilt is especially well-suited for use as a wall-hung tapestry, where it can be appreciated as a piece of early American folk art. A true labor of love, this quilt offers both visual serenity and a deep connection to America's rich quilting heritage. Dimensions: 71” x 72” Date of Manufacture: Late 1800s Place of Origin: Pennsylvania, United States Material: Cotton, Applique Condition: Excellent The Persian Knot, SKU 1905 American Applique Quilts, Vintage Pennsylvania Quilts, Antique Applique Quilts, Applique Quilts, Pennsylvania Applique Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt...

This extraordinary African American crazy quilt, hand-pieced and embroidered in the early 1900s, is a vivid expression of creativity, resilience, and cultural storytelling. Composed of 25 distinct blocks arranged in a 5x5 grid, each approximately 13 inches square, the quilt features an array of rich wool fabrics in hues of red, brown, gray, black, navy, and pale green—cut into dynamic rectangular and trapezoidal shapes. Every piece is meticulously hand-appliquéd and accented with elegant feather stitch embroidery, lending intricate detail and texture to the overall composition. A soft gray flannel border, 5 inches wide, frames the quilt, while the reverse is backed with warm gray cotton flannel, adding both comfort and contrast. More than just a textile, this quilt is a historical artifact—one that reflects the ingenuity and artistry of African American makers during a pivotal era in American history. Early African American quilts from the 19th and early 20th centuries have become highly sought after for their rarity, authenticity, and profound cultural significance. A striking addition to any collection, this quilt stands as both a visual masterpiece and a powerful testament to the legacy of African American folk art. Dimensions: 77.5” x 77.5” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: United States Material: Wool, Cotton Condition: Good The Persian Knot, SKU 2079 African American Quilts, Southern Quilts, Gee’s Bend Quilts, Alabama Quilts, 19th Century Quilts, African American Art, Antique African American Quilts...

An exceptional late 19th-century American Crazy Quilt, hand-pieced, hand-stitched, and hand-tied with remarkable artistry and attention to detail. Likely originating from Pennsylvania and discovered in the New England region, this textile masterpiece is composed of individually hand-cut fabric pieces arranged in an abstract, improvisational pattern—a hallmark of the Crazy Quilt tradition. The quilt is accented by vivid red star motifs, contrasted with a lively mix of blues, grays, and multicolor fabrics. Each seam is enhanced with herringbone embroidery, adding textural richness and craftsmanship. Finished on a soft flannel cotton backing, this quilt blends bold visual energy with cozy materiality. Traditionally used as decorative throws, Crazy Quilts are renowned for their artistic spontaneity and historical charm. This piece is ideal as wall art or as a standout accent in a curated interior. Dimensions: 67” x 84” Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: United States Material: Wool, Cotton Condition: Wear consistent with aged and use The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 2200 19th century crazy quilt, antique American crazy quilt, red star quilt, hand-tied crazy quilt, herringbone embroidery quilt, Pennsylvania crazy quilt, flannel-backed quilt, Victorian era quilt, colorful folk art textile, collectible antique quilt, hand-stitched crazy quilt, vintage abstract quilt, late 1800s textile, crazy quilt wall art, heirloom American quilt, decorative antique throw, American Crazy Quilts, Vintage Crazy Quilts, Pennsylvania Quilts, Amish Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt, Vintage Log...

This finely made Double Nine Patch quilt is as crisp and fresh as the day it was made in the 1880's. The quilt has a beautiful array of printed fabrics. Each square measures just 3/4...

A vintage American square Quilt handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 6' 1" x 6' 4"

This Wild Goose Chase Quilt has a wonderful variety of fabrics, including glazed chintz from the mid 19th century. The generous size of 91" x 98 " would make it an excellent bedcover...

Richly colored Wild Goose Chase quilt (aka Geese in Flight) from the early 19th century. Abutting the triangles gives a terrific up and down movement to the "geese". Streak of Lightn...

Most often, Barnraising quilts are laid out on a diamond. In this quilt, it is done on square. The quilt is made entirely of wools with a cotton flannel backing. It has a nice arran...

Hand embroidered and quilted textile from North India. Mughal silk and metal threaded tapestry. Backed with black linen. Fanciful Asian folk designs this d...