A Mid-19th Century French Provencal Quilt Of Glowing Golden Yellow

From Kathryn Berenson collection is this luscious Provencal quilt that brings the summer sun indoors. Glowing golden yellow gros de Tours weave in alternating narrow and wide sateen stripes forms the top of this mid-nineteenth century vanne, the small quilt made to rest on top of the bed for decorative effect. Woven of a fine quality long staple cotton and has the feel of silk. Fashioned from something else as the top is formed of many pieces stitched together, always matching the stripes direction. The backing is a printed check of brown and white cotton in a small scale. Despite the heavier weave of the top this quilt is quite light due to the silk batting. Traditional quilting, with 4-5 stitches to the inch, in high relief shows a double-lined diamond grid in the center with two elaborate leaf swag borders holding an open blossom in each corner. Excellent condition with a faint stain here and there, I could only find two, typical of age. So let the sunshine in - this is perfect for the end of a bed or as a table topper.

Kathryn Berenson is a leading author and historian of French quilts. Her world famous collection is now housed in the International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Nebraska.