Winterberry and Flying Geese Pattern Quilt, circa 1860-1870

About the Item

Winterberry pattern quilt with flying geese, in patriotic colors and with exceptional graphic impact, entirely hand-pieced and hand-quilted, circa 1860s-1870s Made approximately between the Civil War and the 1870s, this exceptional red-white, and blue appliqued quilt is a masterpiece of graphic presentation, color, and texture. This is simply one of my most favorite quilts with patriotic impact, despite its lack of a specifically patriotic pattern. The fabrics are plain, solid cottons, pieced and appliqued entirely by hand. The design consists of 20 repeating windowpanes with what appears to be a winterberry bush, executed in blue and red, set on the diagonal, with red flying geese all around as the framework and border. Perhaps the selection of these elements represented the coming of winter. Whatever the case may be, the result is as much modernistic as it is 19th century, which makes for a tremendous piece of American Folk Art. Mounting: The quilt was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and other related textiles and have framed thousands of examples. The quilt has been handstitched to a supportive background of 100% silk organza throughout for support. It was then handstitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed for colorfastness. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. Condition: There are 10 replaced “geese” triangles. Minor fading, very minor oxidation/soiling, and occasional tiny spots of bleeding, nearly unworthy of mention. Professionally laundered. Frame size (H x L): Approx. 101" x 85" Flag size (H x L): 88.5" x 72.5".

Dimensions:
Height: 101 in (256.54 cm)Width: 85 in (215.9 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Cotton
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1860-1870
Condition:
See Item Description.
Seller Location:
York County, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: q-0711stDibs: LU849722223332
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