Quilt, Appliquéd, Pieced, Stuffed, and Corded

Date1795-1820

Maker Philhower Family Member, possibly

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Norfolk (possibly)

MediumMulticolored block-printed cottons and linen with wool and silk embroidery threads

DimensionsW: 76"; L: 80" (193 x 203 cm.)

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Lewis S. Philhower.

Object number1963-71

DescriptionThis is a rectangular quilt worked in four needlework techniques: piecing, applique, stuffed, and embroidery. Several block-printed chintz patterns, now much deteriorated, were used in the patchwork and applique of a design showing a large central motif of a symmetrical basket of flowers encircled by 4 fan-shape arrangements of flowers springing from small cornucopias. Traditional patchwork designs form inner borders around center medallion, while white areas are quilted in a floral design (stuffed quilting). The outer border, of an interesting brown ground block-printed resist, is applied in a scalloped design. All flowers and border scallops are trimmed with crewel embroidery in shades of pink, rose, yellow, blue, and brown in buttonhole, stem/outline, running split, long and short, and straight stitches. The applique motifs are sewn with buttonhole stitches. There are areas of stuffed and corded vines, flowers, and leaves. The bedcover is further quilted in patterns of outline and vertical and diagonal parallel lines in 9 running stitches per inch. It is backed in plain cotton and bound in a one-half-inch folded strip of white cotton.

Stitches: buttonhole, stem/outline, running split, long & short, straight.
Label TextTypical of other early appliquéd quilts made in the Chesapeake region of Virginia, this one was worked in a format of concentric squares with the center frame set on point. In addition to pieced, appliquéd, stuffed, and corded techniques, the quilt was embellished with buttonhole and other embroidery stitches. Appliquéd flowers stemming from cornucopias fill the four corners of the central square. The quilt maker created a sculptured effect of highlights and shadows with areas of stuffed and corded vines, flowers, and leaves. The bedcover is further quilted in patterns of outline and vertical and diagonal parallel lines.
ProvenanceThe quilt has a history of ownership in the Philhower family (Norfolk), formerly of Capitol Landing Road, Williamsburg.