Large Antique Kalamkari Hangings, 1892, Set of 2

Description

Very rare and very large matching pair of Kalamkari curtains or tent panels. Signed and dated 1892. Each 185cm x … more Very rare and very large matching pair of Kalamkari curtains or tent panels. Signed and dated 1892. Each 185cm x 351cm (72.8 x 138 inches) made of two joined loom widths.

Each piece has been block printed, hand painted, and mordant and resist-dyed as part of a highly complex and skilled process involving 23 separate stages. Kalamkari (derived from the words qalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship) are luxurious, expensive and highly sought after textiles.

Condition:
Gentle wear and minor yellowing to the cotton consistent with age and use, some bleeding to the pigments and 'colouring accidents' with pigments transfer, otherwise strong, stable and very decorative. One panel, the left in our images where they are hung together, is stronger, brighter with only minimal fading to the dyes. The other has some discolouration at the fold points from prolonged exposure to sunlight, these being predominantly visible in the central field. The dyes are also more faded on this one, the blues less strong. There is a small L shaped tear (along the lines of the cotton weave) 4.5cm x 5cm, positioned 90cm from the bottom of this panel, near the right centre in the central field. less