Art Institute of Chicago

Parlor Throw

American, possibly Illinois

Date

c. 1890

Medium

Pieced, embroidered and painted “crazy” quilt; dyed and printed silk plain, satin, pile and patterned weave fabrics and ribbons; silk and metallic embroidery threads; paint

Culture

Illinois

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

A collection of ribbons, assorted fabrics, and embroidered ornaments comprises the central field of this masterfully made parlor throw. In the late nineteenth century, decorative furnishings, such as throws and pillows, were assembled from a medley of bits and pieces, much like scrapbooks. Crazy-quilt style home accessories, made with varied in irregular shapes, pieced, and accented with embroidery, appliqué, and pianted scenes were widely popular (see also Crazy Quilt with Animals and John L. Sullivan Quilt, on view in this exhibition). The beautifully subtle appliquéd borders, creative and varied use of ribbons, and wide range of expertly executed embroidery stitches make this parlor throw an exceptional example.

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