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Textile with Blue and White Pattern

13th–14th century
Not on view
Dated to either the thirteenth or fourteenth century, this plain-woven, block-printed, cotton textile fragment was once part of a much larger piece. This fragment exhibits the unique characteristics of technique and decoration associated with textile production in Western India, in the province of Gujarat, during the Middle Ages. The fragment’s bold design uses a single block to cover the textile with dotted diamond shapes and a stylized tendril pattern which fills the diamonds interiors. The decorative patterns and motifs are reminiscent of those found in Jain painted manuscripts and architecture from Gujarat. The vibrancy of the blue dye points to Western India, which at the time was a popular production center for richly dyed and block-printed textiles. Throughout the centuries, there was an international demand for such fabrics.


Found near the site of Fustat, Egypt, these textiles have been preserved largely due to the arid and dry climate of the region. This fragment serves as evidence of the Red Sea maritime trade and travel relations between both these areas and highlights their transregional and cross-cultural connections during medieval times.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Textile with Blue and White Pattern
  • Date: 13th–14th century
  • Geography: Made in India, Gujarat. Found Egypt, near Fustat
  • Medium: Cotton, plain weave; block-printed, resist dyed
  • Dimensions: L. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
    W. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Painted and/or Printed
  • Credit Line: Purchase, V. Everit Macy Gift, 1930
  • Object Number: 30.112.41
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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