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Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Late 19th or early 20th century
Artist/maker unknown, Bengali
Solidity and transparency are the themes of this kantha. The eight petals of the central lotus have solid red or blue centers surrounded by widely spaced dot stitching in the opposite color. This format is also used in other locations, including the border kalkas (paisley motifs). Spiral pattern darning in alternating blue and red make other petals in the ring of the lotus appear almost psychedelic. Peacocks with crescent-shaped heads and a few loose runs of border patterning complete the composition. The embroiderer of this kantha created a careful mirror image on the reverse, a type often called dorukha (double-sided).

Object Details

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