Counterpane, India silk embroidery and chintz

Date1725-1740, later printed edges

OriginAsia, India, Gujarat (export to Europe)

MediumCotton twill with silk embroidery, cotton mordant-painted-and-dyed (chintz) borders, silk fringe.

DimensionsOH: 120"; OW: 123" Embroidery only: H: 102"; W: 90"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1963-134

DescriptionCounterpane embroidered with polychrome silks in shades of pink, blue, orange, and deep olive-greens with deteriorated blacks. Embroidery is predominantly in fine chain stitches and French knots. Design consists of central delicate flowering branches growing from a small mound and bearing exotic flowers, buds, and leaves, among which are butterflies and other insects filling the center. Angling in from each of four inner corners of the field are identical ornate vases filled with exotic flowers in dense assemblage. Outer border consists of smaller vases angling in from each corner, from which grow undulating leafy vines and flowers that fill the borders. This border is edged on both sides by narrow floral guardbands. Unlined embroidered main portion of counterpane is edged on sides and bottom with applied 9"-wide glazed cotton chintz border in small all-over fern pattern of pale yellow with scattered flower sprigs, butterflies, and insects in reds, blues, and yellow. Chintz border is lined with white linen and trimmed with woven and corded silk fringe.
Label TextWorked in brilliant, unfaded colors and an exuberant design, this bed counterpane was among the finest of Indian exports to Europe, probably the Dutch market, in this instance. Following Indian practice at the time, the chain stitches were probably worked with a hook.
ProvenanceMayorcas, Ltd.