Quilt top, appliqued, pieced, and embroidered

Date1820-1830

MediumCottons, silk embroidery threads

Dimensions89 1/2 inches H X 89 inches W

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2024.609.3

DescriptionSquare quilt top or "coverlet" of white cotton constructed of applique, piecing, and chain stitch silk embroidery. The quilt top features a large diamond centered with an appliqued vase of mixed flowers and four additional flower clusters appliqued in the inside corners. Four green and yellow silk embroidered leaves and berries fill in the space between the inner corners. The center diamond is bordered and surrounded by pieced and appliqued triangles and zig zags of green-ground printed cotton in a striped pattern consisting of floral sprigs and abstract geometric shapes on a net ground. The twelve-inch wide outer border is enclosed by zig zag appliqued borders of a green ground printed cotton with small flowers and leaves on a vermicelli ground. The borders feature large appliqued flower clusters joined by green silk chain stitched leaves and chains. The outside corners are filled with silk embroidered chains and leaves in two shades of green. No batting or quilting. The outside edges are turned inside and covered by a later machine-stitched natural color cotton backing tied loosely to the top at intervals. Some staining. A later cotton muslin display strip is stitched to the top edge.Label TextWith its exquisite applique, piecing, and silk chain stitch embroidery, this quilt top is a visually stunning design. The edges of the appliqued flowers are carefully turned under and stitched with fine, nearly invisible, stitches, and the hundreds of triangles are pieced together with great precision.Mark(s)Inked number on tape sewn to corner reads "V.73.237"ProvenanceDates unknown Mrs. Francis Plowman (Delaware); 1973 sold to Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2024 gift to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).