This distinctive East Indian kantha—a quilt made from many layers of recycled saris, or women’s wrapped clothing—depicts the Hindu deities Krishna and Radha framed by two intertwined snakes. A European rider on horseback wielding a scythe provides a counterpoint for a large elephant. Kanthas are known for their limited color palette (a few colors of thread on a white background) but more importantly for their elaborate imagery depicting daily life and beliefs in eastern India and present-day Bangladesh.

Pattern: 
Kantha
Maker: 
Maker unknown
Circa
1900
1925
Probably made in
Jessore
Bangladesh
43
67.5
IQM
2012.001.0004