If These Textiles Had Been Paintings...

(Above) Early American 20th Century Modern Geometric Quilt
1930-1940
A cotton quilt made in geometric shapes which lends a very contemporary feel. All of the fabrics are cotton, including the back which is in a navy tiny floral print with a rod pocket. The quilt has rounded corners, and is banded in a deep red cotton.

Owned by Suzanna Hamilton Antiques & Art, LLC; 4355 Cobb Parkway, Suite J-253, Atlanta, GA 30339

(Above) 19th Century American Mounted Red/Blue Calico Fabric Bars Crib Quilt
1880-1890
Handsewn on stretcher

Owned by east meets west antiques, 160 North La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

(Above) Antique American Geometric Hooked Rug
Early 20th Century
Bold, graphic geometric with vivid colors in “Log Cabin” inspired design. Mounted on stretcher.

Owned by Woodard and Greenstein, 506 E 74th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10021 —


IF THESE RUGS HAD BEEN PAINTINGS, considering the period in which they were made, they would have been hailed as breakthroughs in modern art. But, hooked rugs, quilts and textiles were considered craft and, for the most part, kept apart from the big museums.

African American quilts, on the other hand, shared the same story, until Mr. Bill Arnett and his family in Atlanta brought to the public eye the incredible quilts of Gee’s Bend. That singular effort changed art history, the way we view African American textiles and more importantly, clearly showed that the quilts of this rural Alabama community (and others) were far more than craft. More on that in another post.

These wonderful textiles were found on 1stdibs.