Crazy Quilt

ca. 1885

American, ca.1825-1900

Lura Stowe composed this quilt and proudly showed it to guests in her parlor, impressing upon her granddaughter the need to treasure it. Fifteen squares are covered by a vast array of symbols including the Christian cross, the Star of David, butterflies, flowers and the artist's initials. Japanese fans suggest the influence of the Centennial Exposition of 1876, when displays of Japanese ceramics were said to inspire new designs featuring asymmetry and different ways of composing patterns.

Silk, cotton velvet, ribbon: pieced, embroidered

47 in. (119.4 cm)

L.: 59 in.

Gift of Harriet L. French, in memory of her grandmother, Lura Jeanette Stowe, who made the quilt

75.13

Not currently on view

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