1880s
Masonic Folk Art Quilt
The wonderful Masonic Folk Art Quilt pictured
above is now in the museum collection of the National Heritage Museum in
Lexington, Mass. You can visit their museum on-line at:
http://www.monh.org/
Here is what Sotheby's
"Important Americana" catalogue (January 28, 29 and 30, 1988) says about the
bottom quilt: "Unusual Appliqued Cotton
'Masonic' Quilt, Ohio, circa 1880, composed of red, yellow and green
printed and solid patches with various Masonic symbols and bands of stars, all
mounted on a white cotton ground with feather, cable, wreath and diagonal line
quilting. Approximately 76 by 76 in. (193 by 193 m).
It then lists the literature and
exhibitions in which the quilt appeared.
It goes on: In
giving expression to so much of what was important in their lives, women
covered many "subjects" in their quilts. Using the traditional
format of red and green appliqués, the maker of this quilt created a piece
full of Masonic symbols to celebrate pride in her husband's fraternal
affiliation. Masonic symbols march along the border and frame Masonic emblems
just as a classical swag border would surround a more traditional appliqué
design. The quilt maker's red, orange and green hearts, stars and moons (each
with symbolic meaning to the Masons) add great spirit and vitality to the
quilt, suggesting a very whimsical, folk-art quality. Classical feathered
wreaths, a traditional appliqué quilting pattern, add rich texture to this
personal, vibrant quilt.
