Antique c1870 Potted Flowers Urn Applique Quilt Trapunto Hand Quilted 92\" x 95\" For Sale

Dating to circa 1870 — approximately 155 years old.

An exceptional 19th-century Potted Flowers and Urn appliqué quilt with extraordinary hand quilting, dimensional stuffed trapunto buds and remarkable preservation.

Measuring approximately 92\" x 95\", this is a substantial quilt with tremendous visual presence. Large flowering plants rise from decorative pink urns, surrounded by sweeping branches, oversized leaves, layered flowers, vines and blossoms.

The deep red, pink, yellow and yellow-green fabrics stand beautifully against the white ground. The warm tan appliqué was most likely originally a fugitive green, with the dye shifting to its present color over approximately 155 years—a fascinating characteristic of early textiles.

The botanical design is wonderfully individual and expressive, giving the quilt a strong American folk-art quality. Even the decorative urns are filled with detail, including small geometric diamond elements worked into the pink forms.

One of the most special features is found in the little flower buds. The small red buds feature stuffed trapunto work, creating wonderful raised dimensional accents throughout the appliqué.

The hand quilting is spectacular. Dense, elaborate quilting covers virtually the entire quilt, with curving, feather-like, circular, geometric and botanical designs filling the white ground and surrounding the appliqué. The reverse beautifully reveals the extraordinary amount of handwork that went into creating this quilt.

Condition:
Remarkable antique condition for approximately 155 years of age. There is no fabric deterioration. The fabrics and appliqué are strong, and the hand quilting remains exceptionally well preserved. The backing shows some age-related discoloration consistent with a textile of this age. Please review the photographs as part of the condition description.

The scale, elaborate floral and botanical design, stuffed trapunto buds, strong fabrics and exceptional hand quilting make this a very special example of 19th-century appliqué.

Even better in person.

A remarkable piece of 19th-century American textile folk art for collection, display or study.