Quilt, Silk Embroidered

Date1700-1750

OriginAsia, India, Deccan (probably)

MediumCotton, silk, metallics (fiber identification by textile lab)

DimensionsOverall: 96" wide X 114" long

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-250

DescriptionThis is a bed quilt of natural-color cotton embroidered with metallic threads and silks with pink-reds predominating. The embroidery is worked in a Persian-like pattern having oval pointed center medallion with pendants on the vertical axis; in the center of the pointed oval is a large rosette surrounded by smaller rosettes and palmettes, some with stiff stems, all with small pointed leaves. Quarter-medallions form the spandrels at the 4 corners, while the intervening field is interlaced with scrolling stems bearing various size rosettes, palmettes, small leaves, and tendrils. The bedcover has series of 8 borders, all with reciprocal patterns of full-blown rosettes, scrolling stems, pointed leaves, and lacy vines. Embroidery and quilting are worked through thin cotton batting and coarse cotton backing. The quilting consists of an allover pattern of small diamonds in 11 to 12 backstitches per inch. The lower corners are cut out for posts of a tall-post bed; this was done at a later date. The quilt is also cut down at the top.

The embroidery stitches used are primarily satin and outline, with metallic embroidery in couched and laid work; colors are peach, rose, pink, magenta, gold, pale blue/green, blue/green, yellow/green, metallic gold, and metallic silver.
Label TextThis large bed quilt, probably adapted from a floor spread designed for use in India, combines rosettes and palmettes inspired in part by Persian textiles. The hybrid nature of the textile is indicative of the transmission of textiles and design sources in the region. Indians made textiles not only in their own traditions but also in designs to appeal to specific export markets, a concept that sounds modern but actually has its origins many hundreds of years ago.

The embroidery combines floss silk and metallic threads with backstitch quilting in geometric designs filling the cotton ground, all worked through thin cotton batting and coarse cotton backing. The corners were cut out to accommodate the posts of a tall-post bed. Strips of the removed floral borders were reapplied to edge the cutouts, and the quilt was cut down across the top.