Indian Patchwork Tapestry Panel

Patchwork of tiny embroidered squares, faded and sewn together with great patience.

This patchwork tapestry panel from Rajasthan is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 20th century. Textile panels from western India are often built up from small pieces of dyed and printed cloth, which gives them a bright and varied surface. Rectangular hanging made of many small pieces with cross-stitched and embroidered patterns in dusty red, green, pink and black. Tiny mirror-like glints are scattered across it. A black border surrounds the whole piece. It is 20 inches wide and 31 long.

A crowded quilt, and every scrap has something to say.