Appliquéd and Embroidered Pictorial Bedcover1825–184591 × 80 1/2"Wool, silk, cotton, and beads with silk and cotton embroideryGift of Ralph Esmerian1991.27.10show quilt, highly embellished with birds, and abstract designs created with beads, stuffed work etc. Not quilted. Applied binding. Braiding, embroidery stitches include chain, herringbone, buttonhole, couching. Slits in bottom to accommodate foot posts.152793823Artist unidentifiedTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.United StatesNew YorkTextileseMuseum - Collection HighlightsThis early example of a “show” bedcover is not quilted but features extensive appliqué and embroidery. A fine wool was used for the body of the textile, while the use of silk was limited to the decorative designs, probably because of the relative scarcity and high price of this material at the time.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Appliqued and Embroidered Pictorial Bedcover," exhibition label for QUILTS: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum. Elizabeth V. Warren, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2010.See Frances M. Jolly's quilt top, dated 1839, Smithsonian; Medalion Block, Selburne; Table Cover 1830-1845, AARFAC.18251845 1991 27 1 This early example of a “show” bedcover is not quilted but features extensive appliqué and embroidery. A fine wool was used for the body of the textile, while the use of silk was limited to the decorative designs, probably because of the relative scarcity and high price of this material at the time.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Appliqued and Embroidered Pictorial Bedcover," exhibition label for QUILTS: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum. Elizabeth V. Warren, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2010.See Frances M. Jolly's quilt top, dated 1839, Smithsonian; Medalion Block, Selburne; Table Cover 1830-1845, AARFAC.