Primitive Antique Folk Art Embroidered Coverlet | Late 19th Century | 72"x78"

This is a one-of-a-kind primitive folk art summer coverlet dating to the late 19th Century (1870-1890s) and is filled with whimsical primitive embroidery, symbolic figures, birds, animals, trees, suns, floral forms, and geometric motifs stitched across a patchwork field of plaids, shirtings, stripes, and solid fabrics.

The quilt is especially striking visually, with vivid red blocks contrasting against softer neutral shirtings and plaid fabrics. Many of the embroidered motifs have a wonderfully naïve quality including birds, flowering trees, suns, dolls or children, abstract symbols, and stylized animals. Several figures are worked in open net-like embroidery while others are rendered in dense hand stitching.

Every block features different hand stitched imagery and improvisational needlework. This is made as a summer coverlet - the edges have been finished, but it has no backing, or batting and therefore no quilting.

CONDITION: Timeworn antique condition consistent with age and use. There is scattered staining, areas of fabric wear, small holes, thinning, and age-related fading as shown in the photographs. The irregularities and wear contribute strongly to the authentic folk character of the textile. Displays beautifully.

Details
* Pattern: Antique embroidered folk art coverlet quilt
* Estimated date: circa 1870-1890s
* Size: 72"x78"
* Construction: Hand pieced and hand embroidered
* Primitive / folk art imagery throughout with decorative blanket stitching around blocks
* Fabrics: Plaids, shirtings, stripes, and solid fabrics, mostly cotton with wool blend fabrics in areas
* Colors: Red, cream, tan, blue, black, and plaid color palette

From a smoke-free, pet-free home.