Late 19th century

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

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).