Skip to main content
Advanced Search
1936-675, Quilt
Quilt, Silk Embroidered
1936-675, Quilt

Quilt, Silk Embroidered

DateLate 17th to early 18th century
OriginEngland
MediumLinen ground and inner backing, silk embroidery threads (by microscope in Textile Lab)
DimensionsOH: 70" x OW: 57 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1936-675
DescriptionThis is a rectangular silk embroidered bed counterpane on a natural color linen ground. The design consists of a central roundel formed by leaves which are embroidered and appliqued. The roundel encloses a central fountain, flanked by a woman and elephant on left, a king and servants at right; also within the roundel are Chinese-style buildings, a parrot in a tree, a pond with bird, and monkey. Surrounding the central roundel are flying exotic birds, along with bugs and worms. The border design consists of flowers, flowering trees, Asian-inspired buildings, and spires, all growing or pointing inward from the outside edges and the four corners. The ground is worked with yellow silk backstitches in a lozenge pattern. A dark gold silk fringe on all four sides is not original. The embroidery is worked primarily in satin stitch, couching, chain stitch, and stem stitch. The background is quilted in a diamond pattern with yellow silk backstitches, 10-13 per inch, through a coarse linen inner backing fabric. There is no batting. The conservation backing is modern.
Label TextThis silk-embroidered bed cover reflects the fashion for exotic Asian motifs in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The embroidery is worked through a coarser backing without any batting.
ProvenanceGill & Reigate, Ltd., London, 1936. Previous provenance unknown.