#0378 $1,200
Silk log cabin quilt, late 19th century
Log cabin quilts are perennial favorites. In late 19th century America, the pattern was especially popular, but it had earlier origins. When the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs were excavated, small mummified animals were found encased in covers of log cabin blocks. The design motif is over 4,000 years old!
This classic pattern of light and dark consists of squares of 3/8"-wide "logs" of silk sewn onto a cotton backing. The texture of the design is created by the overlapping logs. The subtle gradations of color from one square to another show the quilter knew well the precept that the overall effect of a log cabin quilt is achieved by use of light and dark fabrics and how they are arranged.
The top of the assembled blocks is hand stitched to the silk back around each block. The red silk border is hand quilted with a diamond pattern of 16 stitches per inch, counting both front and back. There is no batting between the layers.
The condition is very good. The quilt displays beautifully as is. The silk back of the quilt is fraying—see the two bottom pictures. The fraying can be covered with a protective backing (an easy project). This is reflected in the price. The small problems on the top side of the quilt are minor color variation on the border and slight fraying on one block.
It measures 76" by 67".
