Hawaiian Quilt - Silversword
Name/Title
Hawaiian Quilt - SilverswordEntry/Object ID
MK_0013Description
This vibrant piece is one of 23 Hawaiian quilts crafted under the supervision of Meali'i Kalama, commissioned by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in the 1980s. Kalama, a distinguished local quilt artist, had previously crafted a collection of 30 original quilts at the request of hotel founder Laurance Rockefeller in the 1960s, to honor the islands' rich quilting tradition spanning over a century. But by the 1980s, many of the original pieces had to be replaced following 20 years of guest handling and exposure to the elements within the hotel. Kalama was honored to continue to contribute to the Mauna Kea’s quilt collection, but for this commission, without Rockefeller's prior direction to use pastel tones, she was allowed to design the quilts in more traditional, brighter colors. Using a blue applique in a single contour stitch, Kalama and her team fashioned this exquisite Silversword design, a recognizable member of Hawai’i’s rich island flora. Containing over 2 million stitches and the product of more than 1,000 hours of meticulous work, this quilt merges contemporary craftsmanship with historical practices, offering a stunning insight into Hawaiian culture. This treasured piece was very recently reframed.Made/Created
Artist Information
Meali'i Kalama
E. Kay