J.H.Terry

Embroidery India/Pakistan | Antique Kantha Embroidery

This wonderful embroidered coverlet or seating mat was made by a muslim woman, in the undivided (pre-partition) area of Bengal, India. Muslim woman never decorated their pieces with human figures or animals such as the neighboring Hindus, only using floral forms and geometric designs. This example, as all kantha embroideries, were made from old, used and discarded family garments. The layered and quilted ground material is muslin cotton from recycled men's dhoti, the traditional men's garment which were all white. The maker then unraveled the colored borders, the only areas of color on a woman's white sari. Using the recycled threads, she then embroidered the desired designs. An arduous task to say the least! If you expand the image (lower left), the amazing quilting work becomes evident. This tradition dates back hundreds of years in Bengal. This is a splendid example from one of the minority, muslim groups of the area. All the colors are of natural dyes. The condition is excellent. Price on Request