Antique Hens and Chickens 1880s Quilt | Indigo Blue & White | Hand Quilted | 68"x86"

This is an exceptional antique Hens and Chickens quilt, dating to approximately 1880–1900, a classic American quilt pattern. The quilt has a rich indigo-blue ground with tiny yellow floral prints, paired with crisp white cotton. An especially notable feature of this quilt is the presence of an original pillow tuck - in this case an 18-inch expanse of a plain cotton panel added at the head of the quilt to fold over pillows and protect the pieced surface. Pillow tucks were a common late-19th-century practice. The pillow tuck is securely attached and consistent in age and materials with the rest of the quilt.

The quilt is entirely hand pieced and hand quilted with fine, even double-diagonals and tiny cross-hatch grids. The back is a cream-white cotton that has been turned to the front and hand-stitched to form the binding. The cotton batting is lightweight.

The quilt is in excellent antique condition with some beginning fraying of the binding.

Details:
• Pattern: Hens and Chickens
• Circa: 1880–1900
• Construction: Hand pieced and hand quilted
• Materials: Antique cotton fabrics
• Colors: Indigo blue, white, soft yellow
• Features: Original pillow tuck added in period
• Condition: Excellent with some beginning fraying of the binding
• Size: 68" x 86" (with 18" pillow tuck)

This quilt is from a smoke-free, pet-free home and is pictured on a queen-size bed.