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 depicts the tree of life. The tree is surrounded by a variety of symbols such as elephants, birds and fish which likely represent different hopes and dreams for life's journey. A man riding an elephant may mean controlling of ones base desire. Where fish are, in many Bengali traditions from birth to death, are considered very auspicious. It is embroidered in yellow, red, black and turquoise. The border is an alternating black and red scroll which may represent rice or wheat.
In very good condition with some staining (as pictured).
Size: 1'9" x 2'2" [53cm x 66cm]
Age: Q1 20th Century
Country of Origin: Bengal
Type of Textile: Nakshi Kantha
Material: Cotton
Condition: Very good, with some staining (as pictured)
TX275
Check out our other Kantha textiles here!
