Whitework Quilt
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Jennie Holcomb Yale
American, 1866 - 1949
DateJuly 1866
MediumEmbroidery; cotton thread, plain-woven cotton, cotton batting, machine-woven cotton tape
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 32 x 32in. (81.3 x 81.3cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Miss Elizabeth Yale Hall
DescriptionSmall, square, whitework quilt consisting of a white, plain-woven cotton top and backing that have been hand-stitched together in a quilted pattern; the pattern is embroidered with the name "Jennie", "H. Holcomb" "Yale", and "July 1866". The pattern starts in the center with a basket with an arched handle over the name "Jennie". Above the basket is a bird on a flowering branch. This is surrounded by a wide, circular, floral border inside a square border. Three of the four corners of this square border have the following embroidered names and date: "H. Holcomb" "Yale", and "July 1866". Outside the square border is an additional wide border of flowers and leaves on a vine.
The top and bottom of the quilt each consist of a single panel of cotton. Each edge of the quilt is finished with a white machine-woven tape. The quilt includes a number of stitches, including chain stitch, buttonhole, running stitch, circular eyelet stitch, seed stitch and satin stitch.
Condition: The top of the quilt has an overall yellowing, with additional dirt adhered to the edges; a portion of the top has split and worn away at the bottom center. The backing has considerable and brown stains in one large rectangular area from top to bottom at left of center; at the bottom of this area, the backing, stuffing and top has been torn away.
The top and bottom of the quilt each consist of a single panel of cotton. Each edge of the quilt is finished with a white machine-woven tape. The quilt includes a number of stitches, including chain stitch, buttonhole, running stitch, circular eyelet stitch, seed stitch and satin stitch.
Condition: The top of the quilt has an overall yellowing, with additional dirt adhered to the edges; a portion of the top has split and worn away at the bottom center. The backing has considerable and brown stains in one large rectangular area from top to bottom at left of center; at the bottom of this area, the backing, stuffing and top has been torn away.
Object number1950.16.30
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