Large Early Deccan Embroidery with metal threads
340 x 255 cm (11' 2" x 8' 4")
India, ca. 1800 or before
Condition: very good according to age, orange and red silk partially corroded, small missing parts at all four corners, slight abrasions, age related signs of use
Silk and metal threads on cotton

Deccan embroideries of the 18th century are rare and seldom appear in the market on the European mainland while in England, with its colonial history, they can be found in old manor houses. A special feature in these embroideries is the use of metal thread to cover the surface between the silk embroidery sometimes just in parts or, in very luxurious examples like this, completely covering the ground.
These were made for the use in local aristocratic courts and for export to Europe. The single flower motif in the outer border became fashionable in India from the early 17th century onwards and can be found framed within a lattice in contemporary carpets. The field design here is a take on the lattice concept however it connects the flaming green lattice with the flowerhead which would be uncommon in rugs.
Cleverly the direction of the pattern changes midfield so that viewers from both sides have a clear view. If we observe closely, we see that the center is marked by a single spinning blossom in a more elaborate style than the one we find in the powerful main border.
Three dimensionally drawn powerful scrolls clearly encompass that flower with a 4 plus 1 arrangement and a slightly changed version of the one in the field. In it we find a wonderful apricot color that complements the pink and red.