Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Currently not on view

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Late 19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Bengali

Stitching kanthas was an art practiced by women in Bengal. Created from the remnants of worn garments, embroidered kanthas were usually made as gifts for special family occasions and served a variety of domestic and ritual functions. This kantha's seemingly sedate composition abounds with surprises, such as the row of five disparate roundels at left punctuating the otherwise uniform blossom border. At top Radha links hands with a chubby, indigo Krishna, while at bottom three small figures pull a multitiered ratha (processional chariot).

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, buttonhole, darning, satin, running, fern, and dot stitches

Dimensions:

32 3/4 x 34 inches (83.2 x 86.4 cm)

Classification:

Textiles

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-694

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