Kantha embroidery panel
Name/Title
Kantha embroidery panelEntry/Object ID
2021.4.4Description
Early 20th century rectangular embroidered Bengali kantha in blue and golden threads. Has a tree of life motif in the center and cholte ful (spiral flower) motif at the head of the tree. There are twelve branches each with a charka (wheel) at the end. There is a chevron border in yellow/gold, which could have agricultural symbolic meaning, perhaps the dhaner shish (rice stalk) or khejur chhori (date branch). The diamond border (barfi) could be interpreted as a variation of the diamond chok par (eye border), which in folk practices is believed to ward off intrusive energies.Use
This arshilata, or mirror covering, under traditional practices of Vastu Shastra, help inform the design of spaces and the home to bring balance. The practice of covering mirrors in bedrooms at night is a common practice to help ward off negative energy or intrusion.Category
Embroidery, Quilts, Homeware