Twelve Quilts of Christmas 2015 – #3
Weeping Willow Quilt, maker unknown, possibly Berks County, Pennsylvania, c. 1870, cotton, 75″ x 73″. Collection of the International Quilt Study Centre.
This quilt is a spectacular example of bold, original folk art design.
Vibrant colours, dynamic placement of an abundance of leaves, tree trunks firmly rooted by their design and shape, are balanced by the open wreath in the centre. I wonder what the significance is of the bottle and the bird at the top of the design?
Added Dec 17: An observation from Barbara in the comments below, if the quilt is turned 180 degrees, it could be a bird and a tombstone, which would put it into the mourning quilt category, which certainly fits with willow tree signifying “weeping” and mourning. Bravo Barbara for pointing that out!
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wow! I just LOVE this one – thanks for sharing these incredible quilts.
You are so welcome. And thank you for the Instagram love!!
That’s a lot of little teardrops – I’m not sure I have that much patience. It WOULD be interesting to know what the bird and bottle meant to the quilter. Thanks for the look back.
These quilts are just spectacular!!!
Thanks for dropping by and for commenting Susannah.
I look forward to this collection every year, ME! Thank you for finding and sharing such wonderful quilts! Happy holidays and hugs, Darra
Oh so nice to see your name pop up. Hugs back to you Darra! And Merry Christmas to you and family.
If the quilt is turned 180 degrees so that the bird is right side up, and at the bottom of the quilt…the other small figure would appear to be a tombstone. This, plus the “weeping” willow could put it into the mourning quilt group.
Bravo! Thank you Barbara!
Mourning or not….all the orange makes it a happy quilt to me! Love it!
A fellow cheddar junkie! Yeah cheddar!
This one is Stunning! Love your Twelve quilts before christmas 🙂
Thank you Lucy!