This quilt displays a popular chintz fabric of the era that features a prominent wicker basket balanced on the capital, or top, of an architectural column. Called “pillar prints,” this style was popular during the 1820s. The quilt is anchored by a pieced Bethlehem Star medallion, surrounded by a green swag and further rings of unusual borders including an appliquéd clamshell design, pale blue feathered plumes and eight-pointed stars. The wide outer border features the woven basket pillar print, which evidently was not quite wide enough to suit the maker. She extended the width of the flower baskets by adding a piece of a second floral chintz fabric on both sides.

Pattern: 
Medallion
Maker: 
Maker unidentified
Circa
1830
1850
Probably made in
United States
108.5
107.5
Ardis and Robert James Collection
1997.007.0659