Wholecloth Quilt
QuiltmakerAttributed to
Asenath King
(American, 1764 - 1859)
DesignerDesigned by
Asenath King
(American, 1764 - 1859)
Dateabout 1787
MediumHand-stitched, twill-woven glazed worsted, or calamanco; plain-woven wool; one ply worsted thread
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 91 1/2 x 87in. (232.4 x 221cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of James Goldie
Object number1952.76.0
DescriptionWholecloth quilt consisting of a dark blue, calendered, twill-woven, wool, or calamanco, top, batting, and a plain-woven wool backing; these three layers have been hand-stitched together with one ply dark blue worsted thread in an elaborate quilted pattern in the rococo style. The quilted pattern consists of a column of abstract leaf and shell forms in the center flanked by a meandering vine with branches of leaves and abstract flowers emerging from it. This is surrounded on all four sides by a border of semi-circular and curved vines with leaves inside each vine. The background consists of a field of closely-stitched diagonal lines.
The top consists of four panels of calamanco imported from England. The backing is constructed of plain-woven blue wool that was produced domestically.
Condition: A cotton underlay has been stitched into areas of loss on the quilt. Small portions of the quilted pattern on the top of the quilt have been covered with sheer silk crepeline. Broad areas on the back have been covered with silk crepeline. The crepeline is applied over tears and worn areas in the wool.
The top consists of four panels of calamanco imported from England. The backing is constructed of plain-woven blue wool that was produced domestically.
Condition: A cotton underlay has been stitched into areas of loss on the quilt. Small portions of the quilted pattern on the top of the quilt have been covered with sheer silk crepeline. Broad areas on the back have been covered with silk crepeline. The crepeline is applied over tears and worn areas in the wool.
Label TextEighteenth-century quilts were luxury items, constructed of expensive,
imported textiles with surfaces constructed of full-width panels of fabric,
seamed together vertically to create expanses of color and texture that
were unrivaled among household furnishings. These “whole-cloth quilts”
are distinguished from later, more familiar types, made by cutting fabrics
up into pieces and reassembling them to create geometric or abstract
shapes.
Asenath King Rising’s whole-cloth quilt is made of calamanco, an English
fabric prized for its glossy surface and rich, deep colors. When quilted, the
surface becomes a sculptural relief.
NotesDate Note: This quilt has traditionally been dated about 1784, presumably based on family history provided when the quilt was acquired in 1952 (any original documentation is no longer extant). Subsequent research has located Asenath Rising's marriage intention, dated 13 September 1787, in the West Springfield, Massachusetts marriage records. The quilt has accordingly been redated to about 1787, corresponding to the year of the maker's marriage. (Schoelwer 3/14/2008)imported textiles with surfaces constructed of full-width panels of fabric,
seamed together vertically to create expanses of color and texture that
were unrivaled among household furnishings. These “whole-cloth quilts”
are distinguished from later, more familiar types, made by cutting fabrics
up into pieces and reassembling them to create geometric or abstract
shapes.
Asenath King Rising’s whole-cloth quilt is made of calamanco, an English
fabric prized for its glossy surface and rich, deep colors. When quilted, the
surface becomes a sculptural relief.
Status
Not on view
