Victorian Crazy Quilt dated 1895 – Hand Embroidered with Silk and Velvet Fans – Folk Art Textile – 60" x 74"

This exceptional authentic Victorian crazy quilt, dated 1895, is striking with its multiple fan motifs each intricately pieced in silks, satins, brocades, challis and velvets and intricately embroidered. Measuring 60” x 74”, the quilt was likely created as a parlor or sofa quilt and intended for decorative display rather than daily use.

Each fan section is lavishly embellished with hand embroidery, including feather stitch, herringbone, fern motifs, radiating fans, and decorative borders stitched in vibrant silk threads, including a block embroidered with the date "1895". The artistry reflects both personal expression and the influence of Japanese design aesthetics that were popular at the time.

The back is red cotton while the entire quilt has been hand-tied and finished in tiny bows on the back. Like most crazy quilts, the quilt does not appear to contain any batting.

The quilt is in good antique condition and is structurally sound, but has expected age-related shattering of many of the silks and silk blends (see photos) due to the addition at the time of metal salts to the silks by manufacturers.

Details:
• Date: Circa 1895
• Size: 60” x 74”
• Construction: Hand pieced and hand embroidered, hand-tied
• Materials: Silk, velvet, plush, brocade, cotton
• Backing: Red cotton
• Condition: Antique, with age-related wear consistent with its age