Images(4)

Quilt, Indigo Resist Reversing to Block-Printed Cottons

DateLate 18th c.

OriginEurope, France

MediumCotton, linen

DimensionsOW: 89 1/4 X OH: 94" Both indigo and block printed textiles have selvage to selvage width of 30 1/2" (as quilted)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1956-339,1

DescriptionThis is a rectangular whole-cloth quilt of indigo cotton reversing to red and white cotton block prints. The indigo resist side consists of an undulating ribbon stripe entwined with fruit and flowers with larger floral bouquets between the undulating stripes, printed in white against indigo ground. The obverse consists of red and faded brown block prints. The main portion of the obverse side consists of small-scale red pomegranate fruit sprigs against plain brown stripes, each sprig measuring about 1 1/4 inches tall. Along the long end is a border about 5 inches wide printed in red on white in striped floral design.
The whole is quilted with coarse stitching in zig-zag pattern, 2 to 3 linen running stitches per inch. The outer edges are turned in and running stitched. Thick cotton forms the batting.
The quilt has numerous patches, including 16 non-matching small-scale block-printed cottons on the red side. The quilt also has thin areas and minor stains.
Label TextThis reversible quilt combines blue-ground indigo resist in a bold floral pattern and small-scale red and white block prints. Both printed textiles were at one time reproduced by Colonial Williamsburg and sold under the names of "Raleigh Tavern Resist" and "Apples."
ProvenanceArditti & Mayorcas, London, England, by sale to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation