Sub-Saharan African Quilts

This extraordinary hand-stitched quilt, dating to the American Civil War era (circa 1860–1870), originates from the deep South—likely Alabama or Georgia—and stands as a powerful example of African American folk artistry during one of the most pivotal periods in American history. Crafted from wool and homespun blankets, the quilt features a striking design of diagonally pieced squares composed of repurposed clothing in shades of navy, brown, red, and gray. These textiles are believed to be remnants of garments worn during the Civil War, transformed through necessity and creativity into a work of enduring beauty and cultural significance. The back of the quilt is made from a bold red and gray striped textile, adding a distinctive visual contrast. Quilts like this—made by African Americans in the Reconstruction-era South—are exceedingly rare and deeply meaningful. They embody both resilience and resourcefulness, and serve as powerful expressions of heritage, survival, and artistic identity. This particular quilt comes from the collection of a Civil Rights attorney who has spent decades practicing in Alabama and Georgia, with a devoted interest in preserving African American folk art from the Civil War era. Its provenance adds another layer of depth and historical significance. Dimensions: 63” x 73” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: Alabama, United States Material: Cotton, wool Condition: Good The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 1982 African American Quilts...

20th C Calico Postage Stamp Quilt Circa 1900 - 1920. Great Condition. from Pennsylvania.

Exceptional African American pine burr quilt. All hand quilted and pieced. Found in Selma, Alabama. Fantastic color placement and design. These quilts ...

This fine quilted Ohio Amish plain quilt is in a purple cotton and inner mint green borders.The quilting is very fine and the quilt is in pristine condition. Super rare colors and a ...

19th century Mennonite bars quilt red and green bars quilt. The condition is very good and crisp. This quilt is very pristine with no fade or damages.

This extraordinary African American crazy quilt, hand-pieced and embroidered in the early 1900s, is a vivid expression of creativity, resilience, and cultural storytelling. Composed of 25 distinct blocks arranged in a 5x5 grid, each approximately 13 inches square, the quilt features an array of rich wool fabrics in hues of red, brown, gray, black, navy, and pale green—cut into dynamic rectangular and trapezoidal shapes. Every piece is meticulously hand-appliquéd and accented with elegant feather stitch embroidery, lending intricate detail and texture to the overall composition. A soft gray flannel border, 5 inches wide, frames the quilt, while the reverse is backed with warm gray cotton flannel, adding both comfort and contrast. More than just a textile, this quilt is a historical artifact—one that reflects the ingenuity and artistry of African American makers during a pivotal era in American history. Early African American quilts from the 19th and early 20th centuries have become highly sought after for their rarity, authenticity, and profound cultural significance. A striking addition to any collection, this quilt stands as both a visual masterpiece and a powerful testament to the legacy of African American folk art. Dimensions: 77.5” x 77.5” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: United States Material: Wool, Cotton Condition: Good The Persian Knot, SKU 2079 African American Quilts, Southern Quilts, Gee’s Bend Quilts, Alabama Quilts, 19th Century Quilts, African American Art, Antique African American Quilts...

This tiny postage stamp nine patch in a square quilt was found in Pennsylvania and is in very good condition. The back is a bars pattern in calico fabric.

Early 20thc Indiana Amish wool log cabin quilt. Finely pieced and very fine quilted quilt.

Experience the charm and ingenuity of traditional American craftsmanship with this stunning Pennsylvania Dutch pieced quilt, hand-sewn in the late 1800s. Featuring the classic “Parad...

Immerse yourself in the artistry and heritage of early American craftsmanship with this exquisite mid-1800s appliqué quilt, lovingly hand-stitched in Pennsylvania. Featuring a charming “Floral” pattern, the quilt displays delicate pink and orange blossoms with graceful green stems and leaves, all beautifully arranged on a soft ivory background. Each flower was individually cut, placed, and stitched by hand, creating a rich tapestry of color and texture. Framed by meticulously crafted panels, this quilt is a remarkable example of the care and precision that define 19th-century American textile art. This quilt is more than just a coverlet—it is a heartfelt expression of dedication and artistry. As a true antique, it holds immense historical and collectible value. Its timeless beauty and delicate nature make it a stunning candidate for wall display, transforming any space into a gallery of vintage elegance. Whether cherished as a collector’s piece or admired as wall art, this rare floral appliqué quilt is a captivating tribute to America’s quilting legacy. Dimensions: 78” x 81” Date of Manufacture: Mid 19th Century Place of Origin: Pennsylvania, United States Material: Cotton, Applique Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot, SKU 2282 American Applique Quilts, Vintage Pennsylvania Quilts, Antique Applique Quilts, Applique Quilts, Pennsylvania Applique Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt, Vintage Log...

19th century Blue & white Irish chain quilt with fine quilting.This quilt is in great condition.

A striking and expressive example of American textile art, this early 20th-century Crazy Quilt features a vivid patchwork of hand-cut and hand-stitched cotton and flannel pieces in turquoise, pink, yellow, navy, red, and more. The irregular, abstract shapes are joined by intricate herringbone embroidery, giving the quilt visual rhythm and textural detail. Set on a soft flannel cotton backing, the quilt balances aesthetic richness with tactile warmth. Discovered in New England and likely crafted in Pennsylvania, this piece embodies the traditional Crazy Quilt form—created not for bedding but as decorative throws that doubled as a form of artistic expression. With its vibrant palette and artisanal construction, it is ideal for display as wall art or as a bold, historic accent in interior decor. Dimensions: 70” x 85” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: United States Material: Wool, Cotton Condition: Good The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 2123 early 20th century crazy quilt, antique American quilt, hand-stitched crazy quilt, flannel-backed quilt, colorful patchwork quilt, turquoise pink quilt, vintage textile art, Pennsylvania crazy quilt, herringbone embroidery quilt, collectible folk art quilt, crazy quilt wall art, decorative antique quilt, American quilt history, handmade crazy quilt, heirloom patchwork textile, antique interior decor quilt, American Crazy Quilts, Vintage Crazy Quilts...