Embroidered Wall Hanging

Basket weave, magenta and gold

Large, Indian embroidered textile. Its long, rectangular format and elaborate decoration suggest that this was probably intended as a covering, hanging, or household ceremonial textile.  

Overall, this textile features deep magenta/burgundy ground densely embroidered in golden-yellow thread with an all-over diamond lattice pattern. The elaborate geometric borders feature chevrons, stripes, small repeated motifs, and checkered bands. The strong central field and elaborate framing make it particularly suited to being displayed as a decorative textile.

The dense surface embroidery and geometric organization can bring Phulkari embroidery to mind, however, the overall design elements are geometric rather than floral, organic Phulkari designs.

  • Title: Embroidered Wall Hanging

  • Date: acquired in 1985

  • Geography: Punjab, India

  • Medium: Cotton, silk

  • Dimensions: H. 91 in.  W. 72 in.

  • Provenance: Gift from Subi Mann

  • Inventory Number:  IN.44