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Saddle-cloth

Textile
early 19th Century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

According to the acquisition records of the India Museum, to which this saddle-cloth or small carpet belonged before coming to the South Kensington Museum in 1879, this piece was formerly in the collection of a 'General Malcolm', presumably Sir John Malcolm (1769-1833) who was Governor of Bombay from 1827-30. A saddle-cloth identical to this one was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and attracted the admiration of Owen Jones for its design and harmony of colours.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleSaddle-cloth
Materials and techniques
Woven silk and gold thread brocade (kinkhab)
Brief description
Saddle cloth or mat. Silk and gold thread brocade cloth (Kinkhab), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, early 19th century
Physical description
A rectangular saddle-cloth or small mat, of silk and gold thread brocade cloth (kinkhab), padded, lined and fringed with gold-thread tassels. The field has a trellis design made up of flowers and leaves; three outer borders have floral meander patterns.
Dimensions
  • Length: 136cm
  • Width: 94cm
Gallery label
SADDLE CLOTH: Silk and gold thread brocade cloth (Kinkhab), padded, lined and fringed with gold-thread tassels. Ahmedabad, Gujarat. First half of the 19th century.(Nehru Gallery, 2001)
Credit line
Transferred from the India Museum in 1879
Object history
The India Museum slip book (slip no.7828) states that the piece was in 'General Malcolm's collection'. This is presumably General Sir John Malcolm (Governor of Bombay 1827-30, died 1833). Other pieces from Gen Malcolm's collection also have 'from Mr Phillips' added, so perhaps Mr Phillips acquired Gen. Malcolm's collection on his death. The piece was acquired by the India Museum in 1868. Transferred from the India Museum in 1879. 1880 Register Entry: [Case 26] '0683. CARPET (small). Embroidered gold ground, coloured silk pattern, gold fringe; Ahmedabad. 7828'
Production
Transferred from the India Museum to South Kensington Museum in 1879
Summary
According to the acquisition records of the India Museum, to which this saddle-cloth or small carpet belonged before coming to the South Kensington Museum in 1879, this piece was formerly in the collection of a 'General Malcolm', presumably Sir John Malcolm (1769-1833) who was Governor of Bombay from 1827-30. A saddle-cloth identical to this one was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and attracted the admiration of Owen Jones for its design and harmony of colours.
Bibliographic reference
Guy, John and Swallow, Deborah (eds.) Arts of India: 1550-1900. Text by Rosemary Crill, John Guy, Veronica Murphy, Susan Stronge and Deborah Swallow. London : Victoria and Albert Museum, 1990, reprinted 1999. 240 p. : ill. ISBN: 1851770224. p.222, Pl.196
Other number
7,828 - India Museum Slip Book
Collection
Accession number
0683(IS)

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Record createdMarch 20, 2008
Record URL
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