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Pheasant and Plum Tree Quilt

About 1815-25

Attributed to Arianna Sollers Bouldin (1816-1879)

93 in. W x 95.5 in. L
14-16 stitches per inch

Gift of Richard Stevens Cassard and Laura Bowen Cassard in honor of Richard and Roberta Cassard
2012.34

Location

Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Design

The quiltmaker dispenses with borders in a layout typical from this region through the Carolinas. Birds and foliage radiate symmetrically towards a sawtooth border also typical of Maryland and Virginia. Raised stuffed motifs, in dramatic contrast to the flat appliqués, cover the most of the remaining space, eliminating the need for quilting.

Maker

The initials “AO” suggest Arianna Owings as the maker, but the fabrics postdate her death. The family has always credited Arianna’s niece and namesake, Arianna Sollers Bouldin, as the maker; the “AO” may honor her connection to her aunt.

Material

Block-printed cotton chintzes, solid cotton ground and backing, cotton stuffing and cording, wool tape binding

Game birds under trees were a popular motif at this time. Both these chintzes (pheasants and plum tree, and peacocks and their peahens—notice their chicks perched atop appliqué motifs) were widely distributed, as they are repeated in many mid-Atlantic and Southern quilts of this period.