DECCAN, INDIA, 18TH CENTURY

Between the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries embroidered textiles featuring central medallions encompassed by flowers and vines were highly popular in India. These textiles were likely utilized in courtly and wealthy environments due to the use of silver-wrapped thread, potentially as a summer carpet or to cover the dais of a local ruler. Embroideries of this type, with elaborate floral designs worked in floss silk in satin stitch, and often with areas of couched metal-wrapped thread, have been attributed to various centres, including Goa. However, the presence of similar stylistic and technical traits found in other floor coverings and wall hangings indicates that this example may have been crafted in the Deccan region during the eighteenth century. Our example bears a delicately woven crown motif and the initials J.A.F which relate to the European, possibly Portuguese, patron of this beautiful panel who has not been identified.

An embroidered coverlet very similar to ours and dated to the mid-18th century is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (acc.no.783-1864). It was purchased by the Museum as formerly the property of Tipu Sultan taken at Seringapatam. Another example which relates closely to our panel is at the Metropolitan Museum (inv. no. 05.25.2). A Deccani embroidery with much denser scrolling floral decoration was sold in these Rooms, 25 October 2019, lot 154. A further example with a very similar design to ours sold at Bonhams, London, 24 April 2012, lot 212.