Details
This is a breathtaking authentic Victorian crazy quilt, dating to the 1890s, meticulously hand-pieced and richly hand-embroidered using luxurious period textiles. This exceptional heirloom quilt is composed of silks, velvets, wool challis, sateen, and fine cottons, assembled in the classic irregular “crazy” patchwork style that defined the late 19th-century American decorative arts movement.
The surface is dense with hand embroidery, including feather stitch, herringbone, buttonhole, satin stitch, couching, and lazy daisy motifs. Traditional Victorian symbols appear throughout, including embroidered fans, florals, and decorative flourishes, all executed in vibrant period threads.
At the center is a particularly beautiful hand-embroidered floral wreath enclosing the initial “S,” a hallmark of presentation or bridal crazy quilts of the era—often made to commemorate a significant life event. The interlocking circles are a Victorian symbol that signify unity, connection, lifelong bonds, marriage and betrothal, which is another indication that the quilt may commemorate a wedding or marriage.
Finished with a striking deep burgundy velvet border, while the back is plain woven cotton. There is no batting in this quilt.
The quilt is in excellent antique condition with two silk patches showing some slight splitting/shattering.
Details
• Date: circa 1890s
• Origin: United States
• Construction: Hand-pieced & hand-embroidered
• Materials: Silk, velvet, wool challis, sateen, cotton
• Border: Original burgundy velvet with decorative stitching
• Backing: Plain cotton
• Motifs: Fans, florals, symbolic embroidery, monogram, interlocking circles
• Initial: Hand-embroidered letter “S”
• Category: Heirloom / Collector Quilt
• Measurements: 74 inches by 74 inches
Excellent antique condition consistent with age.
• Two silk patches show gentle, expected age wrinkling and splitting
• Embroidery remains vibrant and secure
• Velvet border is intact and visually strong
• No major losses or structural issues observed
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