Pakistani Ralli or Patchwork Quilt

Vertical beads of color, framed in mustard.

This ralli, a patchwork quilt from Pakistan, was pieced in cotton in the mid to late 20th century. Rallis are commonly used as bedcovers, floor covers and wraps, and are often pieced from cloth saved over time. Columns of black, blue, orange, pink and green rounded shapes march in tidy stripes. A yellow and brown border surrounds the pattern. Each column alternates dark and bright shapes, which sets up a steady beat. The effect is cheerful and rhythmic.

About 75 by 50 inches. Fun, and still respectable.