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1800 - 1825 Elizabeth C. Nunn's "Liberty" Quilted Counterpane

National Museum of American History

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Object Details

Nunn, Elizabeth C.
Description
After its adoption in 1782, the Great Seal of the United States became a popular design motif. An adaptation of the eagle design centers the top of this hand-woven cotton quilt that was block-printed in the early 19th century for a Mrs. Farris of Kentucky. Mrs. Farris’s daughter, Elizabeth C. Nunn, lined and interlined the top with cotton and stitched the layers together in a diamond quilting pattern.
Blocks for printing such bedcovers were of crudely carved wood, with individual motifs that could be arranged in a variety of designs. The color on this example, probably originally printed with Prussian blue, has faded from washings.
Elizabeth C. born in 1783 in Virginia, married William Nunn (1783-1822) in March 1805. Elizabeth died in Kentucky in 1871.
Location
Currently not on view
1800-1825
ID Number
TE.T15294
catalog number
T15294
accession number
292230
Object Name
quilt
Physical Description
fabric, cotton (overall material)
thread, cotton, linen (overall material)
filling, cotton (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 83 in x 69 in; 211 cm x 176 cm
place made
United States: Kentucky
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Quilts
Textiles
Domestic Furnishings
National Museum of American History
subject
Quilting
Record ID
nmah_556490
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a3-bb71-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

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  • National Quilt Collection

    American History Museum
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  • National Quilt Collection:Untitled

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