Ashon Kantha, Bengal

An intricately embroidered ashon Kantha from the late nineteenth-century Bengal.

An ashon Kanthas, usually square or rectangular in shape, were used as a base for seating. Spread out like a rug for prayer ceremonies, or offered as a seat to honored guests at home, at ceremonies or at weddings, this type of Kantha is relatively thinly layered and therefore easier to embroider.