Name/Title
Democratic RoseEntry/Object ID
1999.006.001Description
This 88" x 88" quilt was made using cotton fabric and employed the democratic/tea rose patterns. It uses colors of red, green, pink and yellow on a white background. The sixteen blocks measure 21 1/4" x 21 3/4" each. Each block features a center blossom in 4 layers of appliqué surrounded by four large green leaves. Four straight stems emerge between the leaves, each bearing a red blossom with a yellow center in all but one corner block. Three leaves and a curving stem with bud and two leaves arch from the straight stem.
The quilt is hand appliquéd and hand quilted. Quilting consists of an outline around the flowers and a crosshatch 1/2" apart in the background. The white backing is brought to the front to form the binding.Context
A note on the back of the quilt attributed it to Emily Bowers, but the donating family believes a Mrs. Sam Mouffet was the creator. Either way, this quilt was made circa 1860-70. Red and green appliqué quilts were considered "the best quilts" by families in the mid 19th century. The finest needlework was on display in these quilts.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1999.006Source or Donor
Beverly BowersMade/Created
Date made
circa 1860 - circa 1870Place
* Untyped Place
Timberville, VirginiaNotes
Initially believed to have done by Harriette Moffett, yet note pinned to back indicates Emily was most likely the makerInscription/Signature/Marks
Location
BackTranscription
"Made by Aunt Emily Bowers"Notes
Was on a note, pinned to the back of the quiltOther Name
Democratic Tea Rose VariationDimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
88 inLength
88 inDimension Description
Individual Block DimensionsWidth
21-1/4 inLength
21-3/4 inDimension Notes
16 Blocks TotalColor
Tan, Yellow, Red, GreenCondition
Notes
red fabric is deteriorating, discoloration of one white blockOverall Condition
GoodNotes
Some deterioration of one the red fabrics and some spots
