Amish Quilt
- Artist Culture
- American
- Date
- late 19th–early 20th century
- Material
- Wool, cotton, and quilting
- probably made in
- Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Coverings & hangings, textiles
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 74 x 75 in. (188 x 190.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Funds given by Mrs. Stanley Hanks
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 182:1977
NOTES
This center-diamond patterned quilt is a traditional Amish design that reflects the faith and lifestyle of its maker. By the mid-1800s, German immigrants, including Amish sects, had adopted the custom of quiltmaking from the "English" culture. This component of the Americanization process was then balanced with religious tenets that valued simplicity, humility, devotion, and community before self.
Amish quilts are characterized by variations of simple, yet strong, graphic patterns and saturated colors. This piece was probably made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a very conventional Amish settlement. Dominant patterns from this area include the center diamond, the center square pattern, and a repeating bar pattern.
Amish quilts are characterized by variations of simple, yet strong, graphic patterns and saturated colors. This piece was probably made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a very conventional Amish settlement. Dominant patterns from this area include the center diamond, the center square pattern, and a repeating bar pattern.