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Framed within multiple borders embroidered in weave-pattern resembling typical Bengal white cotton sari borders is a white rectangular field- a playground for the embroiderer to unleash a world of imaginary and mythical figures. Firstly, the rectangle is marked by an unconventional central floral medallion with an attempt to create an optical illusion of floral petals radiating from its center. Each of the four corners of the rectangle has kalaka or an ornate paisley motif. The rest of the space is filled with figures of horses and elephants in procession, peacocks, seagulls, fish, prawns, flowers and plants, etc. A remarkable feature of the kantha is how the embroiderer has, here and there, used bands embroidered in weave patterns to act as space dividers to separate the water and land areas.
The most distinguishing feature of the kantha is the presence of prey-predator motifs, for example, peacock and snake, or fish and seagull.

Details

  • Title: Floor Spread
  • Date: 1831/1900
  • Location: West Bengal
  • Physical Dimensions: B 105 cm x L 158 cm
  • Rights: Text © Sanskriti Museum of Indian Textiles/ Jyotindra Jain
  • Medium: Cotton
  • Technique: Kantha work with cotton thread on cotton
  • Period: Mid to late 19th century

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