Antique c1880 Turkey Red Cockscomb Princess Feather Applique Quilt Folk Art 79\" For Sale

Spectacular circa 1870–1890 antique appliqué quilt featuring a bold Cockscomb / Princess Feather / Thistle design in Turkey red and tan.

Four large sweeping floral motifs fill the white ground, surrounded by a wonderful meandering vine-and-leaf border. The scale and movement of the design give this quilt an exceptional American folk-art presence.

The rich Turkey red remains strong and vibrant. The leaves that now appear tan were originally fugitive green, and one area still retains visible green — a fascinating glimpse of the quilt\'s original 19th-century color palette.

The hand quilting is spectacular, with elaborate scrolling vines, leaves, flowers and botanical forms worked throughout the white ground. The quilting is especially striking from the reverse, where the extensive handwork becomes beautifully visible.

Size: 79\" × 79\"

Remarkable condition for its age. The fabrics are strong, the appliqué is intact, and the quilt displays beautifully. There is some expected age-related toning and light spotting, including on the backing, consistent with a textile of this age.

Please review the photographs for condition.

Bold, graphic and beautifully executed, this is an exceptional 19th-century American quilt for display, study or collection — and even better in person.