Antique 1880s Indigo Scrap Quilt - Hand-Quilted 4-Patch Variation 77” x 80”

This is a stunning late 1800s Four-Patch Variation Scrap Quilt with exceptional craftsmanship that uses a set of beautiful Victorian-era prints, from deep indigo discharge stars to chocolate "mourning" prints and madder reds, all framed by a rich, dark indigo blue sashing with a tiny white star motif. The period fabrics Include a rare variety of shirting prints, calicos, and natural-dyed cottons typical of the 1880s–1890s.

The hand-quilting is meticulous, tiny and precise in patterns of diagonal and straight-line grids. The back is cream cotton while the binding is a very narrow indigo polka dot that has been hand-stitched to both sides. The cotton batting is very lightweight.

The quilt is in excellent antique condition with toning on the back and two areas on the front with discoloration to two parts of the indigo fabric, turning it to a tan "halo" (as shown in photos). This is likely caused by the way fabric was printed in the late 1800s - first, it would have been dyed indigo, then a discharge paste (containing bleach or a strong oxidizing agent) would have been printed on top to remove the color and create the "star" pattern. Depending on the strength of those chemicals and the amount of the quilt's exposure to sunlight, those chemicals over 130+ years can slowly eat away at the indigo, creating that blurred, tannish look.

Features;
• Date: 1880-1890s
• Pattern: Four-Patch variation
• Cotton Fabrics: Deep indigo discharge star cottons to chocolate "mourning" prints and madder reds, dark indigo blue sashing with a tiny white star motif, period shirting prints, calicos, and natural-dyed cottons
• Construction: Hand quilted, hand pieced
• Colors: Deep indigo, red, chocolate/browns
• Size: 77 inches by 80 inches

The quilt is from a smoke-free, pet-free home and is pictured on a queen-size bed.
CL0077