This is an exceptional mid-19th century, museum quality Crosses and Losses Quilt (c. 1840–1860). It features a stunning collection of fabrics, including: • Chintz & Pillar Prints: Large-scale floral pillar prints and serpentine vine motifs in a classic "drab" or tea-dyed palette. • Early Dye Techniques: Includes vibrant Madder reds, deep chocolate browns, crisp indigo blues, and the highly coveted "rainbow" or ombré shaded fabrics of the era.
The exquisite hand quilting is exceptionally fine in petal chains, flower motifs and echo quilting, all in tiny, consistent stitches.
The back is cream white cotton as is the binding that has been hand-stitched to both sides. The cotton batting is very lightweight.
This quilt is in very good to excellent antique condition, remarkably preserved for a quilt that is over 170 years old, with some fabric losses as shown in the photos. • Color: The colors remain wonderfully vibrant with no significant fading. • Integrity: The quilt is sturdy and intact. • Authentic Patina: There are a few "shattered" pieces (primarily in the dark brown/black dyed areas). This is a natural, expected chemical reaction of the iron-mordant dyes used in the 1840s. (Please see close-up photos for detail).
Details: • Date: Circa 1840-1860s • Pattern: Crosses & Losses • Size: 82” x 94” This is a significant scale, suitable for a Full or Queen size bed display or as a dramatic wall hanging for a large space. • Fabrics: Chintz & Pillar Prints: Large-scale floral pillar prints and serpentine vine motifs in a classic "drab" or tea-dyed palette. • Back & Batting: Cream Cotton Back; Lightweight Cotton Batting • Construction: Hand pieced and hand quilted • Binding: Cream/white cotton