Antique 19th Century Tumbling Blocks Quilt – Victorian Optical Illusion – 80” x 80”

Dating to the Victorian Era (c. 1885–1900), this Tumbling Blocks Quilt combines optical illusion and "crazy quilt" and incorporates the elaborate decorative top-stitching typical of the late 1800s. The tumbling blocks/star design "moves" as you move around the quilt. In addition to the embroidery, it is hand-quilted in a diagonal grid throughout the quilt.

The quilt is made from a "scrappy" variety of fabrics including wool challis, shirting cottons, plaids, and remnants of Victorian silks.

The back is blue cotton that has been turned to the front and hand-stitched to form the binding. The cotton batting is light to medium weight.

The quilt is in very good antique condition with "shattering" or splitting to several of the silks—a natural chemical reaction effecting silks from this era because they were weighted by metal salts to increase their price (per pound) which leads over time to shattering. There is also visible thinning to the black border in small spots as can be seen in the photos.


Details
• Pattern: Tumbling Blocks.
• Era: Late Victorian (Circa 1890).
• Construction: Entirely hand-pieced and hand-quilted. Each block is outlined with a decorative feather/briar stitch in contrasting green and white embroidery thread.
• Dimensions: Generous 80” x 80”
• Backing: Finished with a solid blue cotton backing

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