Cover
19th century
Description
This quilted cover is an example of qalamkari (“pen-work”), a traditional technique of decorating cotton with dyes. The design features a central medallion on a red field patterned with butahs in off-set repeat. The central medallion and quarter medallions in the corners combine birds, blossoms, leaves, and knot patterns. Two wide borders contain running floral scrolls; and multiple guard stripes hold small floral motifs. The design employs the traditional four colors (black, red, blue, and yellow) and has been created by block printing and wax resist.
Dimensions
89 x 124 cm (35 1/16 x 48 13/16 in.)
Provenance
Mark and Ruth Irwin, Wooster, Ohio (by 1965 - 1998), by descent; to Beth Irwin Lewis, Oberlin, Ohio (1998 - 2015), gift; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2015.
Related Artworks
View MoreBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseCotton patterned with block printing and wax-resist dyeing; quilted; backed with modern fabric; and edged with machine-made fringe
19th centuryWool
19th centuryBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseUndyed ramie; plain-weave
19th-20th centuryJapaneseBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseWool
19th-20th centuryPersianBook of swatches mounted on paper (56 sheets)
19th-20th centuryJapaneseDark blue ground with medallion elements in 'kesi' silk tapestry weave
18th-19th centuryChinese