A Century of Kanthas: Women's Quilts in Bengal, 1870s-1970s

  • through January 1, 2024
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
A Century of Kanthas: Women's Quilts in Bengal, 1870s-1970s focuses on two textile types embroidered by women in the Bengal region (today Bangladesh and the state of West Bengal, India). The first is nakshi (ornamented) kanthas. Characterized by delicate stitches, faded tones, and intricate imagery, these quilts were made between about the 1870s and 1930s. The second is galicha (carpet) kanthas. Produced during the 1950s-60s, they display bold colors and intersecting geometric forms. Both types often served as famiLy heirlooms. With more than 30 works, this is the first exhibition in US museum to bring these two types of embroidery into conversation. 
COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART, GIFT OF DR. DAVID R. NALIN AND DR. RICHARD NALIN

Galicha Kantha (‘Carpet’ Embroidered Quilt) with pinwheel pattern, Rajshahi Division, about 1960s.

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