Lot 755
Vintage Appalachian Crazy Quilt Dated 1884-87. A 58" x 58" crazy quilt composed of many multi-colored, irregular pieces of fine fabric, primarily silk, but also satin, velvet and tulle, surrounded by a 4" deep rich burgundy velvet border. Embroidered at one corner is "L.E.P. 1884-87". With numerous designs embroidered on the squares including leaves and flowers, the moon and two stars, a tea pot, vases, a horseshoe, a baby, an owl sitting on a branch, a cross, a butterfly, and a spider web. The seams joining the patches are heavily embellished. It has no internal layer of batting, as is normal for a crazy quilt. There are some tears in the backing fabric but the important, decorative top is intact and vibrant, testimony to the handiwork of the group of women who labored from 1884 to 1887 to create this beautiful gift for the woman whose initials were "L.E.P."
Crazy quilting, which is said to have been inspired by the Japanese art on exhibit at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, became a fad in the United States in the 1880s. It is much more creative than other forms of quilt making, as witnessed by this unique example.
From the collection of Judy Truchant, who was a costume designer for MGM for over 20 years. While filming a television series in Knoxville, Tennessee in the 1970s, Miss Truchant bought this authentic Appalachian quilt from a farm auction and has kept it since that time.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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