Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces

Bringing elements of their Polynesian heritage to the American quilt, nineteenth-century Hawaiians created a distinctive and beautiful craft that is still actively practiced throughout the islands. From the early influences of missionaries and traders, to annexation by the United States and subsequent statehood, to the current concerns of today’s quiltmakers, Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces includes an incomparable collection. This volume offers some of the finest examples of the islands’ fabric art, highlighted by works of such quiltmakers as Elizabeth Akana, Sharon Balai, and Junedale Lauwaeomakana Quinories, whose clever variations on classic designs are spiced with subtle twists of modernity. This book’s insightful and informative text shows how the designs of these extraordinary Hawaiian creations are grounded in spirituality, the indigenous flora, and the visual expression of history.

Library Journal

First brought to the islands by missionaries and traders in the late 19th century, quilting in Hawaii adapted to the physical and cultural environment of the islands to become a distinctive art form. The earliest quilt in this collection of Hawaiian masterworks dates from 1874 and the most recent from 1995. Following the format of his earlier Quilts: A Living Tradition (LJ 2/1/96), Shaw includes a detailed color photograph, a historical introduction, and a critique for each of the 48 quilts. Essential for textile history collections.

Robert Shaw is one of the country’s leading authorities on American crafts and folk arts. He is the former curator of the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, and is now a consultant to collectors and museums worldwide. He lives in Shelburne, Vermont.