Late 19th century

Kantha (Embroidered Quilt)

The superb needlework of this truly dorukha (double-sided) kantha displays a range of stitches, including extensive use of the satin stitch, and glorious color. The detailed costumes include typical round-brimmed men's hats and shawls, as well as the European shoes worn by wealthy Bengalis; some of the garments may reflect the cut of a European jacket. Certainly the artist exhibited her erudition as well as her skill through details such as the English saddle and stirrup on the red horse in the lower panel. This is the only piece in her collection that Dr. Kramrisch recorded as having come from a particular town.