Q1562 Crib Sized Cigar Silks Quilt with Silk Fringe
c.1885
33 x 34 (including fringe)
New England
Price- $1,800

Cigars were the most popular tobacco product used in the 19th Century, with most households having at least one cigar smoker. They were sold bundled and in a box, with groups of six to eight cigars wrapped by a silk ribbon sporting the brand name and/or number printed on it, with multiple bundles per box. These ribbons served not only the practical purpose of packaging the cigars but also as a way to attract buyers to a specific brand. Women were encouraged through literature distributed by the tobacco companies to use them to make things for the home, including quilts, throws, pillows, table covers, purses and even curtains for windows and doors.

Sheer elegance is highlighted in this lovely example of a cigar silks quilt by both the use of only certain silks and the artistry and skill that was used to complete it. Entirely constructed out of solid gold color silks, the central large square made from 17 ½ inch by ¾ inch wide silks are aligned perfectly and highlight the cigar maker’s number – maybe a favorite brand of the gentleman of the house? The precisely pieced 5 inch outer border of gold colored silks was constructed with mitered corners emphasized by the black and gold silk embellishment stitches - lovely. A gorgeous 2 ¾” knotted tobacco brown silk fringe provides a sophisticated and beautiful frame for this extraordinary textile from a bygone era. In excellent condition this piece is the perfect artistic wall hanging or table topper for your home or office.