Unpacking the treasures of travel.

May

Some of the specialist ‘vintage’ Kanthas I chose in March.

Unpacking the First Case Yesterday “India”

Before I share the new piece I’m showing this piece that is of the same genre. This unique panel is predominantly made from vintage embroideries. Over years of studying these wall hangings, I was disappointed to discover that these pieces are glued to a large fabric base before being stitched over with a fine cotton cord. (I can’t help my purist tendencies.)

These pieces are rather common, and I currently have two in my collection.

The piece below that I chose last December in India us a wall hanging crafted from genuine antique embroidery.

It’s an eye-catching piece, measuring three feet by two and a half feet, with distinctive colors, excellent placement, and intricate patterns.

Vintage Indian embroidery highlights India's cultural heritage with intricate craftsmanship. Each piece features detailed patterns, bright colors, and techniques like phulkari, kantha, and zardosi. These styles reflect skilled artisans and regional influences. Ideal for collectors, vintage embroidery offers a glimpse into a vibrant past, enhancing any textile collection.

I received this piece as a gift simply because I admired it. Although it's quite different from the one above, it employs the same technique.

I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and the thoughtful placement of the embroideries when I saw them at our friend’s warehouse. The colors and patterns are truly unique and captivating. However, I can’t help but think that this new piece is constructed from machine-embroidered pieces, indicating it is a much more recent addition. I began to wonder if I were to place batting and a backing on it and quilt it, would it achieve a depth that would enhance its dimensional quality? I wouldn’t use the antique piece for this purpose, but I think the red and turquoise one would make for an interesting and creative exercise.