Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Currently not on view

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Second half of 19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Bengali

The writing stitched onto this kantha explicitly states that it was made by (krita) Mrs. Brajeshwari, unlike many that give a woman's name but do not specify her role. In her vivacious imagery, Brajeshwari takes gleeful advantage of the possibilities for transparency. She allows the back of the elephant to be seen through the legs of the umbrella-toting man who rides it. In the case of the sari-clad woman with a child, she carefully outlines all body parts before covering them with clothing. Her composition is built around an axial tree, more in line with the design of a Persianate carpet; a single kalka (paisley motif) marks only one of the four corners.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

Date:

Second half of 19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Bengali

Medium:

Cotton plain weave with cotton embroidery in back, buttonhole, darning, satin, running, dot, basque knot (over buttonhole), double running, seed, and zig zag variation stitches

Dimensions:

29 1/2 x 21 inches (74.9 x 53.3 cm)

Classification:

Textiles

Credit Line:

The Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection, 2009

Accession Number:

2009-250-9

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