Chintz fabrics, originating in India, were highly sought after by Europeans. The importation of chintz fabrics into England and France was illegal in much of the 18th century, making these airy, color-fast, beautiful cottons even more highly sought after. Even after their legalization in the 1770s, chintz continued to be expensive fabric. Cut-out chintz applique quilts like this one were high style in the first half of the 19th century in the United States. Many of them exhibit a sophisticated design aesthetic, are very large in size, and feature exquisite needlework skills.