Q8744 Embroidered Coverlet
18th century
64 x 89
India or England
SOLD

This 18th century beauty is a masterpiece of wool embroidery on the finest of hand woven cottons. A center medallion contains a satyr-like figure and is the focal point for the coverlet which contains many Palampore style symbols. The central figure is surrounded by numerous floral medallions and multiple borders of expertly embroidered flora and fauna in warm and vibrant tones of burgundy, gold, brown and rose wool threads. A variety of beautifully executed stitches give life and dimension to the various animals. The coverlet includes a 1 1/4" wool knit edging that frames the entire design.

Created by a woman with an experienced and clever hand, she most likely accompanied her English husband to India on official business. As was the custom, a wife would travel with her husband who was serving in the military or in a political capacity in the English Colony of India. The English were then influenced by and incorporated Indian symbols into their needlework designs.

This very rare museum quality piece has some period 18th and 19th century restoration near the top of the coverlet where it would have been pulled up by hands during its use as a bed cover. This rare piece can be sent to you on approval.