Panel
Unknown Artist
late 18th–early 19th century
Medium
Cotton; plain weave; mordant painted and dyed, resist dyed (kalamkari)
Dimensions
L. 85 in. (215.9 cm) W. 59 in. (149.9 cm)
Classification
Textiles
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Yukikazu Iwasa, in memory of Seizaburo and Shizuko Iwasa, 2009
Accession Number
2009.172
Tags
Art Historical Context
This magnificent cotton panel, created by an unknown artist in the late th to early 19th century, exemplifies the exquisite floral artistry of Islamic textile traditions. Measuring an impressive 85 by 59 inches, it intricate motifs of flowers and leaves, in vibrant natural dyes. Likely intended as a wall hanging, room divider, or tent panel, its large scale would have transformed domestic or ceremonial spaces with its lush, naturalistic patterns—a hallmark of Islamic decorative arts that celebrated the beauty of the natural world while adhering to aniconic principles. The artwork showcases ka...