Reverse Appliqué Pillow Cover

Cranberry, Gold and Black with white stitching

Reverse appliqué in India is traditionally known as Khatwa or Katab, a specialized textile craft practiced in regions like Gujarat (Kutch/Bhuj), Odisha (Pipli), Bihar and by tribal communities like the Tharu and Bhil. This pillow cover was purchased in Calcutta (Kolkata), Bengal.  Bihar is a neighboring state of Bengal.

Khatwa (Bihar) Involves layering colorful fabrics, drawing motifs, cutting away the top layer, and hemming or stitching the edges down to reveal contrasting base colors. It is widely used for tents, canopies (shamianas), and home furnishings.

Note: While reverse appliqué is most famously associated globally with the Guna/Kuna Indians of Panama for their colorful "Mola" works, India has its own rich, distinct lineage of the craft.

• Title: Pillow Cover

• Date: 1998

• Geography: West Bengal, India

• Medium: Cotton, reverse appliqué

• Dimensions: H. 16 in.  W. 15 in.

• Provenance: Purchased in Calcutta, India

• Inventory Number:  IN.11