Antique 1880s–1890s Ring Around the Star Quilt – Double Pink & Acid Green – Dense Hand Quilting – 67” x 81

A striking late-19th-century Ring Around the Star quilt, dating to approximately 1885–1895. The quilt is especially notable for its sophisticated Victorian color palette, complicated geometric piecing, and exceptionally dense hand quilting.

The fabric combination is characteristic of the late Victorian period. The stars and connecting elements incorporate a beautiful double-pink calico, with darker rose-red motifs printed over a lighter pink ground. Double pinks were widely used in American quilts during the latter decades of the 19th century.

The brilliant acid/chartreuse green cotton is another strong period fabric, with the intense yellow-green coloration associated with late-19th-century synthetic dyes. Small-scale printed detail gives the green additional depth. Camel/tan cotton accents provide contrast between the green and pink, while finely woven bleached white cotton forms the setting squares and background.

Together, the double pink, acid green, camel and white create a distinctive high-contrast Victorian palette.

The quilt is extensively hand quilted, with extraordinarily dense stitching throughout. Closely spaced parallel and diagonal quilting fills the large white areas, while additional quilting follows and emphasizes the intricate geometry of the pieced stars. The amount of handwork is exceptional and gives the entire surface a beautifully textured appearance.

The back is ivory-white cotton while the binding is pink cotton that appears to be a later replacement binding, likely added after the original edge became worn. The cotton batting is lightweight.

CONDITION: Beautiful antique condition, particularly impressive for a quilt approximately 130 years old. The fabrics remain remarkably strong and vibrant, and the extensive hand quilting is dense. The pink binding is a later replacement. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

Details
* Pattern: Ring Around the Star
* Date: Circa 1885–1895
* Size: 67” x 81”
* Fabrics: Cotton
* Double-pink printed calico
* Acid/chartreuse green printed cotton
* Camel/tan cotton
* Bleached white cotton ground
* Intricately pieced geometric construction
* Exceptionally dense hand quilting
* White-Ivory cotton backing
* Later replacement pink binding