Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces [Hardcover]

Robert Shaw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 1998

In a land where the warmth afforded by a wool- or cotton-filled quilt is anything but a necessity, quiltmaking takes on an entirely new and different meaning. Bringing elements of their Polynesian heritage to the American quilt, nineteenth-century Hawaiians created a distinctive and beautiful art form that is still actively practiced throughout the islands. Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces presents 55 remarkable historic and contemporary quilts, all reproduced in full colour, which trace the history of 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 Hawaiian quilt masters. Hawaii's stunning quilts capture the essence of the islands' overwhelming natural beauty. Early quilters developed the beloved Hawaiian applique quilt, its lovely floral designs cut like giant snowflakes from a single piece of cloth. They also created the unique tradition of the flag quilt, made to memorialise the glorious past of the Hawaiian kingdom that fell when the United States annexed the islands in 1898. This volume offers some of the finest examples of the islands' fabric art, highlighted by works of such masterful island quiltmakers as Elizabeth Akana, Sharon Balai, and Junedale Lauwaeomakana Quinories, whose clever variations on classic designs and techniques are spiced with subtle twists of modernity. This book's insightful and informative text tells how the designs of these extraordinary creations are grounded in spirituality, the indigenous flora, and the visual expression of history. Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces is the first new book on the subject in many years and is sure to become a standard reference in the field. If you are a lover of quilts, and if the idyllic geography and fascinating lore of the Hawaiian Islands lures you, then this is the perfect guide to the exotic and beautiful world of Hawaiian quilts.

Editorial Reviews

From 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.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...insightful guide to the vibrant quilts from the islands by leading authority Robert Shaw." ~Detroit News

"Robert Shaw, an expert on American folk art and crafts, provides backstory and historical placement for each quilt, along with an overarching essay on the custom as a whole." ~CoolHunting.com

“Shaw details the history of quiltmaking on the islands and presents 48 Hawaiian quilts dating from the 1880s to the late 1990s. Each quilt appears as a full-page image, accompanied by a short essay, presenting gorgeous floral patterns and appliqué work that form a distinct, ever-evolving style.” ~American Style Magazine

“This thoughtful, full-color book celebrates Hawaii’s quilt-making tradition.” ~Generations Magazine --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Universe; 1ST edition (August 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883633965
• ISBN-13: 978-0883633960
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,018,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert Shaw is a gifted communicator who lectures, writes, curates, and consults on many aspects of American folk arts and crafts. His many critically acclaimed books include American Quilts: The Democratic Art, Hand Made, Hand Played: The Art and Craft of Contemporary Guitars, The Art Quilt, America's Traditional Crafts, and American Baskets. He has curated exhibitions at major museums and expositions in the United States, Europe, and Japan, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival.; contributed to numerous books and exhibition catalogs; written articles for The Magazine Antiques, Early American Life, Sports Afield, Fiber Arts, and other periodicals; and served as a consultant to museums, private collectors, and Sotheby's auction house. His web sites are www.roberteshaw.com and www.artofthequilt.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reccomended by the accidental quilter, August 12, 2000

By 

Mary Z. Cox (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces (Hardcover)

If you love Hawaiian quilting--this is a volume you shouldn't miss. This is not a "how to" manual. It is a history of classic Hawaiin quilts accompanied by color plates that left me spellbound. The designs are incredible and well worth study. I've held a fascination with the possible direct connection between early Hawaiian quilts and the Baltimore Album quilts of the the Eastern coast. This may be the only book with color plates of some of these beautiful early quilts that would offer clues to this connection. My favorite designs in this volume are Anthurium by Mary Manoi and Coconut and Pineapple by Meali'i Kalama. It is of no consequence to me that this is not an instructional manual as I do not anticipate ever being able to quilt one of these masterpieces. It is, however, a one of a kind book and I urge you to treat yourself while it remains in print. Mary Z. Cox

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Quilts, December 12, 2011

By 

Nananini (Charlton, Ma United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces (Hardcover)

I recently went to Hawaii and was fortunate enough to see some wonderful quilts. I ordered this book after I got home. There are some great examples from different collections. I've really enjoyed it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces, June 26, 2011

By 

C. Smith (NYC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces (Hardcover)

Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces is a beautifully well written and photographed presentation of Hawaiian quilting. It is not a how to book but tells enough and shows enough for someone to decide whether to go further in either research or production. It is a valuable reference book for collectors and quilters alike.

This unique and beautiful category of quilting is not well publicized or documented and this book is an excellent review of the genre.