Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Currently not on view

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Late 19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Bengali

The superb needlework of this truly dorukha (double-sided) kantha displays a range of stitches, including extensive use of the satin stitch, and glorious color. The detailed costumes include typical round-brimmed men's hats and shawls, as well as the European shoes worn by wealthy Bengalis; some of the garments may reflect the cut of a European jacket. Certainly the artist exhibited her erudition as well as her skill through details such as the English saddle and stirrup on the red horse in the lower panel. This is the only piece in her collection that Dr. Kramrisch recorded as having come from a particular town.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Date:

Late 19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Bengali

Medium:

Cotton plain weave with cotton embroidery in back, chain, darning, outline, satin, split, fishbone, arrowhead, dot, eye, zigzag variation, and surface satin stitches

Dimensions:

6 feet 4 1/2 inches × 46 inches (194.3 × 116.8 cm)

Classification:

Textiles

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-673

Geography:

Made in Undivided Bengal, Asia Possibly made in West Bengal, India, Asia Possibly made in Panjia, Jessore District, Bangladesh, Asia

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Currently not on view