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Bed Cover (Palampore), early 18th century
India (Coromandel Coast)
Cotton; 107 x 77 3/4in. (271.8 x 197.5 cm)
Bequest of George Blumenthal and Gift of Indjoudjian Frères, by exchange, and The Friends of the Islamic Department Fund, 1982 (1982.66)

The pattern on this hanging was printed with blocks carved with different elements of the pattern. A mordant, which helps fix the dye to the cotton, is drawn or stamped with wooden blocks onto the surface of the fabric, and the dye adheres only where the substance has been applied. The pattern appears after the cloth has been washed. The Tree of Life is a common motif on Indian textiles. This textile was made for the European market but it is the most Indian in style of all the palampores in the Museum's collection.


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  • Bed Cover (Palampore), early 18th century
    India (Coromandel Coast)
    Cotton; 107 x 77 3/4in. (271.8 x 197.5 cm)
    Bequest of George Blumenthal and Gift of Indjoudjian Frères, by exchange, and The Friends of the Islamic Department Fund, 1982 (1982.66)