Stuffed and corded quilt

The initial impression of simplicity conveyed by this elegant, monochromatic bed cover belies the intense skill and virtuoso technique demanded of its creator, probably a talented, female amateur, creating functional decoration for her own home. Historically described as “whitework,” this is a whole-cloth quilt (as opposed to a pieced or “patchwork” quilt). It is distinguished by a total absence of colored pigment: instead, the decorative and figurative design is achieved on a bleached white support via quilted stitching, with additional relief created by highlighting and shadowing by inserting cords and stuffing between layers of support. Requiring considerably more skill and dexterity to stitch than pieced quilts, works like this were conventionally regarded in Europe as more subtle and tasteful than patchwork pieces. Likely of 1830s’ production, when whitework stuffed and corded quilting was particularly popular in Britain and North America, its lusciously chunky and heavy design with abundant trusses of deep, well-rounded grapes, bordering a central vase of flowers is very characteristic of this period.