Costume and Textiles Kantha (embroidered quilt) Made in Faridpur, BangladeshEarly to mid- 19 century Artist/maker unknown, Undivided Bengal (Bangladesh or India) Cotton plain weave with cotton embroidery in back, buttonhole, darning, running, marking cross, cross, dot, eye, stem filling, fern, and seed stitches * Spain Gallery, Perelman Building, first floor 1994-148-705 Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994 |
LabelThe Gaudiya Vaishnava devotional imagery on this kantha includes golden-flowered kadamba trees and blue lotus flowers at the corners, both sacred to Krishna. Each side depicts a key episode from the god's early life. At right, baby Krishna mischievously steals butter from his mother's churn. At left, dashing Krishna plays his flute to the enraptured gopis (cowherd women). At bottom, he rides a horse composed of gopis and led by Radha, his paramount lover. At top, he ferries Radha and the gopis across the river, demanding favors for their passage.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
