Coverlet (Colcha)

Unknown

ca. 1675–1700 · Cotton, embroidered with silk · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Against a ground of symmetrical, foliate arabesques, two women in southern European costume flank a central dancer, who wears a saree; twisting at her waist, with arms upraised, and pallu billowing over her head, she seems caught in a dance. In format, size, design elements and bright mustard-colored yellow silk, this work is part of a group of coverlets called Colchas (from the Portuguese), created by local craftspeople in India, particularly associated with the port city of Saptagram (often called Satgaon) in West Bengal, for export by Portuguese traders to Europe. Created in a rich melting pot of world cultures, this coverlet engages foliate motifs drawn from Persian sources with the skill of its Indian producers, and the desire of its European consumers.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1675–1700

Medium

Cotton, embroidered with silk

Culture

Indian, West Bengal, made for the European market

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Karen B. Cohen, in honor of Rochelle C. Rosenberg, 2022