Rare Antique Mughal Imperial Tent Panel Needlework 17th. Century

Description

Rare Antique Mughal Imperial Tent Panel Needlework

This panel was probably one of a series of identical panels used to line the tent of the temporary camps set up along the caravan routes of the Mughal emperors. Writing about Aurangzeb’s camp in 1665, the French physician François Bernier described linings with representations of large vases of flowers, much like this extremely fine needlework example. This is done with floss silk needle stitched on a fine silk base. The original rust color backing is made of linen and still in perfect condition.

Qanat panels provided an important element for the interior decoration of internal space as a result of the peripatetic nature of the Mughal court. Either individually, or sewn together as repeat pattern rows, they were employed as moveable screens in both the tents of hunting parties and various palaces used during tours of inspection.

The pattern of a flowering shrub encompassed by a cusped arch was almost certainly influenced by sixteenth century Safavid prototypes, which entered the Mughal decorative vocabulary in the second quarter of the seventeenth century, see for example, the now partially destroyed tile patterns of the Chini ka Rauza mausoleum in Agra, dating from circa 1639.

The popularity of this pattern can certainly be attributed to Jahangir’s passionate interest in botany and his active encouragement of the depiction of flowers and plants in the work for the court ateliers, with the result that it became an entranced element in Mughal design. For an evocative sixteenth century miniature, painted depicting the outer tent enclosure with hangings of repeat niches with red ground, white flowers and green cypress trees,

see Akbar Hunting, gouache and gold on paper, by Miskina and Sarwan, Mughal, circa 1590 (Victoria and Albert Museum, London: Acc.No. IS.2-1896 – 55/117).

See John Irwin and Margaret Hall, Indian Painted and Printed Fabrics, Ahmedabad, 1971, Chp.III, ‘Tent-Hangings, Floorspreads and Coverlets’, pp.22-35, Nos.20-22, pl.10-11, for a discussion on tent hangings, which includes examples of cotton, block printed and painted tent panels from a larger set (North India, eighteenth century), one of which has the distinctive flowering plant emanating from a vase with fruit, incorporating the small cloud band (lotas) motif in the lower corner, along with two wild animals. It is noted that two of the panels were cut into separate pieces and resewn together, and considering their structure, use and age, this is not surprising.

Amazing world class work of WovenArts.

Size: 3’2 x 3’4

Rugs and More Santa Barbara, California

Rugs & More of Santa Barbara provides California and the West Coast with the most comprehensive collection of new and antique oriental rugs, modern carpets and contemporary floor covering. Furthermore, For three generations, Rugs & More has become the most trusted and reliable source for rugs and floor coverings for home decor.

Voted best rug store of Santa Barbara, California for 25 years!

Any type of area Rugs, Antique Rugs, Vintage Rugs, Modern Rugs, Traditional Rugs, Transitional Rug, Contemporary Rugs, Tapestries and wall hangings, Shag Rugs, Woven Rugs, Flat Rugs, Hand Braided, Hand Woven, Hand Hooked – we offer them all! We help you to roll out the decorating groundwork in each room with one or more of our rugs! Our rugs are only of the highest quality.

Shapes: we carry all shapes and sizes. Round, Square, Rectangular, Oval, and Custom Sizes. Furthermore, We offer the following Services at Rugs and More: Stain Removal; Rug Washing; Rug Repair and Restoration; Surging; Binding; Re-sizing; Rug Appraisals; and Rug Installation.

Materials: we have silk, cotton, wool, blended, synthetic, outdoor, leather, and fur rugs!

Colors: we can customize the rug to the colors you need to make your home the style and comfort that you are looking for with your home decor.

We have rug pads that we can size for under any rug, which extend the life of your rugs and protect your floors.

Rugs & more/ Santa Barbara Design Center

Visit us at 410 Olive Street. Santa Barbara, CA. 93101

Additional information