KANTHAKANTHACottonBangladesh, 19th to early 20th centuryKanthas are composed of several stacked layers of used white dhotis or saris, which are stitched together principally with white thread. Designs are usually outlined in one color (mostly black) and then filled out in another color. Motifs are animals, flowers, scenes from rural life. The representative kantha is an especially lovely, large piece with houses and figures that are contoured but not fully stitched out. In the center is an eight-leafed flower with circles and wavy lines formed the edge; in between on a white background one sees riders, horses with various carts, pet animals, peacocks, people, some in stylized houses – a colorful picture of rural life. Kanthas are produced in Bengal. The present piece comes from East Bengal, present day Bangladesh. Dimensions: SIZE 142 x 195 CMCondition: Fine conditionProvenance: Viennese private collection