Made by Hand highlights the skillful needlework and dazzling designs of America’s material culture. The quilts, made prior to 1870, represent rare and unusual examples, such as the stenciled bedcover, as well as standard star designs and mid-century appliqué.

Popular patterns and layouts were shared by friends, mailed to family members, and inspired by exhibits seen at county and state fairs. As the fabrics and supplies needed to make fashionable quilts became more widely available at reasonable prices, quiltmaking increased accordingly.

Some people document their daily experiences with journal entries, photo snapshots, or social media posts. Eiko Okano chronicles everyday life with cloth depictions of her meals. Her stylized illustrations are spontaneous and loose. Despite their impressionistic qualities, however,her fish look freshly caught,her vegetables appear recently picked,her bowls of rice and soup seem to be steaming.

Using playful materials and techniques, she translates the beauty of food into “delicious” quilts.

Welcome to Eiko Okano’s Delectable World.