Kantha
Name/Title
KanthaEntry/Object ID
2024.9.27Description
Small square cotton nakshi kantha, featuring a spiral mandala at center. Sprays of betel leaves form patterns and curvilinear borders, moving outwards towards the edge. Chain stitches of vines connect the leaves in alternating colors. Predominately done in Bukura/Kashmiri stitches of yellow, blue and red thread. Button hole stitches used to finish borders. Does not have all-over quilted stitches typically associated with kanthas.Use
These smaller size kantha squares are typically used for table settings or to cover plates of food.Context
Derived from the Persian "naqshi," nakshi means "pattern" and refers to the decorative embroidery used to detail the everyday lives of Bengali women. Nakshi kantha were often made from worn household textiles, quilting them together using a combination of stitches to fill in areas with color. Betel leaves, often chewed by women for their medicinal properties, are common in the delta landscape of Bengal/Bangladesh.Category
Homeware, Embroidery, Quilts