Mid-20th Century African American Hand-Stitched Southern 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...

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...

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

Beautiful 19th C Tumbling blocks pink and white polished cotton Quilt. Great condition! This fine polished cotton quilt has very nice piecing and quilt...