Kalamkari Panel

Trade textiles which were lined, quilted, dyed and printed were produced in Coromandel Coast and traded by a small community of Armenian traders, based in South India since many centuries.These textiles were used as spreads, hangings and covers, and were exported to the Iranian and Armenian markets. Kalamkari (pen-work - dyes are applied with hand using a bamboo pen or with a block) was one of the techniques which was used by artisans to achieve layers of colors and patterns.

A square shaped kalamkari kerchief with three concentric bands formed of geometric and floral patterns bordering a middle section featuring a design of interlined floral motifs — with horizontally and vertically lined bird motifs in two varying poses. Kairies or boteh motifs on the body and the wave-like pattern on the borders symbolize Islamic elements.