Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Currently not on view

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Bengali

The Gaudiya Vaishnava devotional imagery on this kantha includes golden-flowered kadamba trees and blue lotus flowers at the corners, both sacred to Krishna. Each side depicts a key episode from the god's early life. At right, baby Krishna mischievously steals butter from his mother's churn. At left, dashing Krishna plays his flute to the enraptured gopis (cowherd women). At bottom, he rides a horse composed of gopis and led by Radha, his paramount lover. At top, he ferries Radha and the gopis across the river, demanding favors for their passage.

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Object Details

Title:

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Date:

19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Bengali

Medium:

Cotton plain weave with cotton embroidery in back, buttonhole, darning, running, marking cross, cross, dot, eye, stem filling, fern, and seed stitches

Dimensions:

37 1/2 x 37 1/2 inches (95.2 x 95.3 cm)

Classification:

Textiles

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-705

Geography:

Made in Undivided Bengal, Asia Possibly made in Bangladesh, Asia Possibly made in West Bengal, India, Asia

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Currently not on view