Antique Hand Block Printed Kalamkari Wallhanging: C19th India

Item Details:
A soft and pretty hand block printed fine cotton Kalamkari dating from the 19th century, India.

The large arch at the top mimics a prayer niche, a common design element in Indian art.

The prominent teardrop shape in the center is a boteh (paisley) motif, often representing a cypress tree or a "Tree of Life". The base features confronting peacocks,symbols of royalty and beauty, and tigers/lions at the bottom, which often represent power or protection.

The panel is framed by several layers of floral and geometric borders, a hallmark of traditional South Asian textile design.

While common in both India (Masulipatam/Machilipatnam) and Iran (Isfahan), many of these specific designs were made in India for the Persian market during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The terms Kalamkari and Qalamkar both translate to "pen-work," referring to the traditional use of a bamboo pen or hand-carved wooden blocks to apply dyes. These are typically crafted on fine cotton using natural mineral and vegetable dyes.

A wonderfuly intricate design in the softest colours, pale mauves and golden yellows.

It has echoes and influences of earlier hand painted palampore hangings, still being used in textile designs today.

Measurements:

124 x  260 cm

Condition:
In excellent condition commensurate with age, some historical mends, nothing noticeable.

Further Notes.
We have lots more original and quality vintage items and textiles in our shop, https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheTextileTreasury
Where possible, we use recycled packaging when shipping items.