Images(9)

Quilt, Silk Embroidered

Date1710-1740

OriginEngland

MediumSilk on linen with glass beads (fibers identified by microscope)

DimensionsOW: 89"; OL: 95"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-368

DescriptionThis is a T-shaped quilt with cutouts for bed posts. The quilt is made of fine white plain-woven linen embroidered with multicolor silks in an overall pattern that consists of a center medallion, inner corner quadrants, and borders on four sides, all against background quilting in yellow silk backstitches. The center medallion has serrated edges and semi- naturalistic flowers with twisting, interlocking stems and leaves in a symmetrical arrangement, with five exotic birds almost hidden in the flowers. Motifs at the four inner corners feature asymmetrical floral and bird motifs with beads for eyes, and flower stems tied with bowknots; the outside edges are curved into pointed arches and serrated. Yellow backstitched background quilting in the center field consists of looped small-scale lozenges. The wide borders, about 16" deep, have large and small embroidered flower sprigs alternating in 2 rows. The yellow back-stitched background quilting in the borders consists of scallops. The embroidery is worked primarily in satin, long-and-short, outline stitches, and French knots, in colors of pink, rose, coral, brown, purple, mauve, shaded blues, shaded greens, and gold. The embroidery is worked through the top plain-woven linen and coarse plain-woven linen interlining, without batting. The backstitches are worked five to seven stitches per inch. The embroidered motifs are worked over inked drawings, some of which are visible where needlework has worn. The old backing has been replaced with supportive conservation backing.

Stitches: backstitch, French knots, long-and-short, outline, satin
Label TextThis quilt was used as a spread on an elaborate tall-post bed. The textile is embroidered in brilliantly colored silks against a ground entirely quilted with back stitches. Within each corner enclosure is a profusion of twining flowers and exotic birds with a bead forming each bird’s eye. A professional embroiderer almost certainly did the needlework and quilting.

InscribedSee marks
MarkingsUnidentified stamp on linen interlining
ProvenanceC. John, London rug and textile dealer, who called the quilt English.