Antique Persian Khorassan Paisley Design Kalamkari / Qalamkari Textile 72641

Beautifully Captivating Antique Persian Khorassan Paisley Design Kalamkari / Qalamkari Textile, Country Of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: Dated 1882 –

This magnificent Kalamkari textile, dated 1882, is an example of the fine artistry that is possible with this unique textile production method. Kalamkari, sometimes spelled Qalamkari, is a method of producing intricate designs using dyes to hand-painted designs on fine cotton. This is a gorgeous piece on its own, but when you explore the production method, it is even more fascinating.

Kalamkari textiles are produced in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The dye process involves 23 steps and is a protected process that is considered a cultural treasure of the people of the area. Two types of kalamkari are produced, the first is Machilipatnam, which is a type of block printing.

The second type is Srikalahasti, which is the style of this textile. Srikalahasti uses a special pen to draw the designs freehand using special vegetable dyes. It takes a high level of artistic skill and is often reserved for Hindu temples. However, the British fell in love with it and have been cutting it into clothing items since the 18th century.

This is a large piece of fabric that measures 6’3” x 14’10” and is suitable as a banquet table cover or as a wall hanging in a large space. The design of this piece is intricate, and the colors are magnificent. The design features a medallion in the center and on both ends. The clarity of the design stands out, especially in the ability to read the script with clarity.

The field of the design and borders is the boteh, or paisley, which is often found in Persian rugs. The symbol stands for the eternal flame or seed of life. This is a piece of artwork that needs to be examined closely to be fully appreciated. You can contact our team if you would like to know more about this piece or to arrange to see it in person.