Textile Fragment

Unknown

16th–17th century · Cotton, plain weave; mordant and resist dyed · Islamic Art

Produced in Gujarat, India, this fairly small cotton textile fragment would have once been part of a larger decorative textile found in Fustat, Egypt. Boldly decorated, this fragment’s stylistic motifs of ogival shapes and dots form a pattern of blooming floriated petals and tendril designs. Utilizing both mordant and resist dye techniques, this fragment is a vivid example of the extensive use and popularity of indigo dyes in Gujarati textile design during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This fragment highlights the demand for the vibrantly dyed and decorated Gujarati textiles, their circulation through Indian Ocean trade networks, and their appeal within the context of Egypt.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–17th century

Medium

Cotton, plain weave; mordant and resist dyed

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, V. Everit Macy Gift, 1930