Palampore thumbnail 1
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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
South Asia Gallery, Room 41

Palampore

1725-1740 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Cover (palampore) of European linen and cotton twill embroidered with silks in fine chain stitch. Five central blue and red swirling floral designs emerge from a decorative base vase situated upon a pale cream cotton cloth. Individual floral motifs and foliage create a rich border which surrounds the central square.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen and cotton ground fabric embroidered with twisted silk yarn. Analysis of fibres done by Lucia Burgo of the V&A in March 2012 shows the fibre to be mostly linen in the warp and mostly cotton in the weft.
Brief description
Cover (palampore) of embroidered linen and cotton in silks, India, 1725-1740
Physical description
Cover (palampore) of European linen and cotton twill embroidered with silks in fine chain stitch. Five central blue and red swirling floral designs emerge from a decorative base vase situated upon a pale cream cotton cloth. Individual floral motifs and foliage create a rich border which surrounds the central square.
Dimensions
  • Width: 225cm
  • Height: 264cm
  • Length: 104in
  • Width: 88.5in
Object history
Export embroidery produced in Gujarat for the European market

Historical significance: This textile illustrates how western influences ie dutch floral designs were incorporated into Indian embroidery design during the 18th century.
Subject depicted
Bibliographic references
  • Indian embroidery / Rosemary Crill ; photography by Richard Davis. London: V&A Publications, 1999 Number: 185177310X, 1851772944 (pbk.) p.28, pl. 6 Guy, J., and Swallow, D., (eds). ‘Arts of India: 1550-1900’. London : Victoria and Albert Museum, 1990. ISBN 1851770224, p.165, pl.141.
  • The art of India and Pakistan, a commemorative catalogue of the exhibition held at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1947-8. Edited by Sir Leigh Ashton. London: Faber and Faber, [1950] p. 216, cat. no. 1031, pl. 70
  • Irwin; John, Indian Embroidery (large picture book, no. 7) London: H. M. Stationery Office, Victoria & Albert Museum, 1951 pl. 13
Collection
Accession number
IM.13-1930

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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