Indian Kantha Hanging Panel

Boldly, a dark, mirror-studded hanging, with rows of elephants marching across it.

This chain-stitched cotton kantha hanging panel is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Kantha is a form of running-stitch embroidery from Bengal and eastern India, in which layers of cloth are stitched together into soft quilted textiles. Altogether, a wide, rectangular dark textile bordered in deep maroon, with a field of small elephants, birds and figures worked in muted red, blue and white. Tiny round mirror discs sparkle near the top edge. The edges are stitched flat. It is 64 inches wide and 34 long.

A night parade of elephants, with sparkles for stars.