This Nakshi Kantha was crafted in Bengal during the late 19th century.
Kantha is a Bengali folk tradition of embroidering textiles using recycled cloth. This large Kantha features a repeat pattern of quatrefoils in a grid. It has a limited palette of various red and black threads on a plain white cotton ground which is subtle but intriguing. The stitching gets fuller and more saturated in the center and small pinwheel motifs have been added giving the piece a more traditional focal point. The patterning is broken in a section in which the inclusion of an elephant adds some interest. The red and black threads were likely harvested and reused from old clothing. A wonderful example of classic Kantha from the 19th Century. One border has either been replaced or was originally cut from an old sari and attached.
In very good condition with some light discoloration. It has been backed with cotton.
Size: 3'7" x 5'5" [109cm x 165cm]
Age: Late 19th Century
Country of Origin: Undivided Bengal
Type of Textile: Nakshi Kantha
Material: Cotton
Condition: Very good, some areas of light discoloration. Cotton backing fabric
TX362
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