On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Kantha

1900-1950 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Rectangular coverlet of layered, quilted and embroidered cotton. Undyed ground with embroidered design of flowers and spirals in red, blue and yellow cotton. Central large square has a stylised flower and 'paisley' designs, surrounded by 10 smaller panels with flowers and spiral designs.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Cotton, quilted and embroidered
Brief description
Kantha, quilted and embroidered coverlet with flower and spiral design, Bengal, early 20th century.
Physical description
Rectangular coverlet of layered, quilted and embroidered cotton. Undyed ground with embroidered design of flowers and spirals in red, blue and yellow cotton. Central large square has a stylised flower and 'paisley' designs, surrounded by 10 smaller panels with flowers and spiral designs.
Dimensions
  • Width: 69cm
  • Length: 80cm
Gallery label
(27/9/2013)
COVERLET
Cotton, embroidered and quilted (kantha)
Bengal, Eastern India
or Bangladesh
1920-30
IS.6-2011

Given by Karun Thakar, in memory of Mark Shivas
Bengali domestic embroideries like this coverlet are traditionally made from recycled saris and other garments. Made by women for use in their own homes, they serve as bedcovers, mats and wrappers. This design is purely geometric, but some kanthas are decorated with human figures and animals.
Credit line
Given by Karun Thakar, in memory of Mark Shivas
Subject depicted
Bibliographic reference
Illustrated in Rosemary Crill 'A Thread of History' in Hali, issue 167, April 2011, pp.112-4, fig.1.
Collection
Accession number
IS.6-2011

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdApril 15, 2011
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest