Palampore

Chinese, made for the European or American market

ca. 1700–1800

Not on view

An impossible abundance of differently shaped blooms and fantastically patterned insects animates this Tree of Life. Embodying the expansion of global networks, this magnificent textile was executed by Chinese artists using Indian design conventions to appeal to European and American audiences. In size, format, tree shape, and figurative details, its design emulates painted and dyed chintz palampores created in India. This version, in contrast, features needlework, a skillset at which Chinese textile artists excelled. Like so many Indian dyed chintzes, this embroidered palampore was likely created for export to Britain, where it would have been admired as a bed covering.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Palampore
Date: ca. 1700–1800
Culture: Chinese, made for the European or American market
Medium: Silk, embroidered with silk
Dimensions: 9 ft. 4 3/4 in. × 87 3/4 in. (286.4 × 222.9 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
Credit Line: Gift of Karen B. Cohen, in honor of Rochelle C. Rosenberg, 2022
Object Number: 2022.147.10
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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