Dastarkhan (Spread)

This rectangular dastarkhan or spread is a good example of cotton block printed and painted kalamkaris with cotton lining and fringes. This graceful dastarkhan has maroon centre field, which illustrates intricately executed check-pattern. The central panel is surmounted by narrow yellow floral border. This is followed by a broad border filled with floral design arranged in diamond pattern. Three coloured ogee-patterned border, on horizontal side, is like additional fringe or lace type of decoration. A Persian stamp is on one end of dastarkhan probably with the name of the artist ‘Qalam-a-kaar Muhammad Mahdi Sadras-Aala’.