Floral Canopy or Screen

Unknown

17th–18th century · Cotton, gold leaf; plain weave, painted · Islamic Art

The flowering plants decorating this cotton hanging are applied in gold leaf glued to the surface of the textile. The fashion of decorating textiles with such plants developed at the Mughal court in the mid-seventeenth century, but spread throughout the courts of northern India in subsequent years. This piece has been attributed to Bikaner, a Rajasthani court where Mughal influence was very strong. Paintings show textiles like this, including the distinctive chevron border, employed as door or window screens, as well as being suspended as canopies.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th–18th century

Medium

Cotton, gold leaf; plain weave, painted

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2010