This Nakshi Kantha was crafted in Bengal during the early 20th century.
Kantha is a Bengali folk tradition of embroidering textiles using recycled cloth. This Kantha features a circus scene, which has been in many kanthas during the turn of the 20th century. In the late 19th century, international circus companies came to perform in Bengal and captured the public imagination. This scene depicts two small elephants and their trainers putting on a performance for members of the crowd who are holding balloons. It is embroidered in yellow, red, and with some green used for the grass. The border is rendered with the "chok par" or eye motif as protection from the evil eye. It has been cut directly from an old sari and attached.
Very Good, The border has been taken directly from an old sari and attached around the perimeter
Size: 1' x 1'3" [30cm x 38cm]
Age: Q1
Country of Origin: East Bengal
Type of Textile: Nakshi Kantha
Material: Cotton
Condition: Good, with some fine repairs
TX278
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