David Gentleman Folk Art

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 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...

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...

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...

A beautiful and rare antique American Mennonite quilt, country of origin: America, circa 1860. Size: 5 ft 3 in x 5 ft 6 in (1.6 m x 1.68 m) This rare, Mennonite antique America quilt from the 1860’s is a real treasure, as there are few that have survived. The Mennonites are a branch of the Amish community that broke off in the 1860’s over disagreements with the Old Order Amish. The Amish are a group of Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants to America who are known for adherence to strict religious beliefs and conservative views. Their women are notably known for their skill in quilt making. This brightly colored quilt is in what is known as the log cabin pattern. The squares are made from strips of fabric stacked in a way similar to the stacking of logs used to make a log home. This particular arrangement of colors is known as “streak of lightening” and is a popular Mennonite design. This pattern alternates light and dark diagonal rows of color. The border creates a whimsical frame to the pattern. These magnificent antique American quilts were often made from scraps or clothing that had worn out its usefulness. The Mennonites were known for their thriftiness and traditions that emphasized gratitude for the gifts one had been given. These designs were not haphazard and required tremendous amounts of planning and thought. The scraps would be collected and then the colors would be arranged. Finally, the pieces would be cut and stitched together with precision to make a top. Next a fluffy, warm stuffing would be sandwiched between a backing and the top. This would be hand stitched to accentuate the design and to keep the stuffing from shifting during use. This antique Mennonite quilt...

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"

A 'Saw Tooth' variation on the classical Amish 'Diamond in the Square'. The colors of amish quilts mostly have optical effects, either dazzling or of similar value to create a figure...

20th century Mola quilt, Kuna People, San Blas Islands, Panama This large quilt is composed of thirty-six molas, including some depicting various animals and sea creatures, Jesus Ch...

This rare and outstanding French antique Royal Quilt with flower design and each square consisting of four Fleur-de-lis originally was used for ceremonial Royal weddings at the Roman Catholic Churches. The borders of the Quilt represent the typical Greek key design and the middle part is various flowers and leaves, some of them close to tulips images, which at that time were symbol of love and loyalty. Weddings Quilts...

A beautiful applique collage of late Georgian silkwork figures and decorative section, no doubt from a larger textile hanging. They have later been to remounted in 19th century into ...