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African American Improvisational Strip Quilt, Circa 1955

$2,100
£1,580.59
€1,849.19
CA$2,969.99
A$3,016.60
CHF 1,738.38
MX$36,420.96
NOK 20,192.91
SEK 20,361.39
DKK 13,823.29

About the Item

This African American improvisational strip quilt embodies the expressive freedom and remarkable design sensibility that have made quilts from the rural South among the most admired textiles in American history. Measuring 71 x 80 inches, the quilt is composed of asymmetrical vertical bands pieced from an eclectic assortment of recycled clothing fabrics, shirtings, plaids, florals, solids, and printed cottons. The resulting composition has an unmistakable modern aesthetic even while it comes from a tradition of practicality and resourcefulness. Constructed from repurposed household and garment textiles, the maker arranged contrasting colors, textures, and patterns with remarkable confidence. The palette is one of rich navy blues, warm browns, vibrant yellows, black novelty prints, florals, and work-shirt plaids. Rather than following a conventional quilt pattern, the design evolved organically, reflecting the improvisational approach that distinguishes many African American quilts. The quilt is hand pieced and secured with widely spaced hand quilting, emphasizing function over decoration while allowing the bold pieced design to remain the focal point. This style of construction, born from necessity and ingenuity, has been celebrated for its artistic originality and visual sophistication. The quilt was acquired from the collection of Roy and Sophia Sieber of Indiana. Roy Sieber (1923–2001), one of America’s foremost scholars of African art, and Sophia Sieber assembled a distinguished collection that reflected their appreciation for African and African American artistic traditions. The quilt was identified by the estate as a Gee’s Bend quilt, but no additional provenance or maker documentation accompanied the piece. Its improvisational composition, sparse hand quilting, and use of recycled textiles are entirely consistent with the broader African American quilting traditions of the American South. Today quilts of this type are recognized not only as functional textiles but also as important works of American vernacular art. With their bold abstract compositions, they have influenced generations of artists, designers, and collectors, and they are increasingly appreciated as masterpieces of twentieth-century American folk art. Details Origin: American South Date: Circa 1955 Dimensions: 71 in. W × 80 in. H Materials: Hand-pieced cotton and cotton-blend fabrics with hand quilting Provenance: Acquired from the collection of Roy and Sophia Sieber, Indiana Condition: Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, scattered light staining and discoloration, and gentle waviness consistent with its handmade construction and decades of use. Presents beautifully and retains exceptional visual impact. African American quilt, Gee’s Bend quilt, Gee’s Bend style, improvisational quilt, strip quilt, American folk art, Southern folk art, vernacular textile, abstract quilt, hand-pieced quilt, mid-century quilt, collectible textile, Roy Sieber collection, Sophia Sieber collection, American quilt, African American Quilts, Southern Quilts, Gee’s Bend Quilts, Alabama Quilts, 19th Century Quilts, African American Art, Antique African American Quilts, Vintage Raising Barn Quilt, Vintage Log Cabin Quilt, Americana, American Folk Art, Antique American Textiles, American Silk Quilt, Vintage Quilts, Hand Stitched Quilts, Southern Quilts, African American Quilts, Gee’s Bend Quilts, Vintage Handwoven Tapestries, Handwoven, Handcrafted Quilts, Reducing Carbon Footprint, Sustainable Living, Sustainability.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 80 in (203.2 cm)Width: 71 in (180.34 cm)Depth: 0.2 in (5.08 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cotton,Hand-Crafted,Patchwork,Quilted
  • Place of Origin:
    United States
  • Period:
    Mid-20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Unknown
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, scattered light staining and discoloration, and gentle waviness consistent with its handmade construction and decades of use. Presents beautifully and retains exceptional visual impact.
  • Seller Location:
    Amsterdam, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU11047250887652

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