Rare Victorian 1880s Silk Crazy Quilt; hand-embroidered silk parlor throw; 78"x80"

This exquisite 1880s Victorian crazy quilt was entirely hand-embroidered during the height of America's silk-quilt era. Created as a decorative parlor throw rather than a sleeping quilt, it showcases extraordinary craftsmanship and rich, detailed hand-embroidered motifs of lillies, fuchsia blossoms, cherries, citrus fruits, strawberries, snowball flowers and more, all on luminous silk. The embroidery stitches include satin stitch, outline stitch, French knots and chenille-style tufting. The back is yellow silk and the binding is a brocade rope. See photos.

The border is beautifully worked with hand-embroidered, repeating strawberry vines on alternating red and yellow silk panels, which contrasts strikingly with the black silk body of the quilt, demonstrating an Art-Nouveau-influenced design not often found in surviving quilts.

It is in very good condition for its age with some shattered silks (due to the metals added during that time period when manufacturing silks), some tan spots and minor thread lifting. See photos.

It measures 78 by 80 inches and comes from a smoke-free and pet-free home. It is shown on a queen-size bed.