Artwork Page for Wall Hanging or Ceiling Canopy

Details / Information for Wall Hanging or Ceiling Canopy

Wall Hanging or Ceiling Canopy

early 1900s

Cambodia, Khmer People, early 20th century

Medium
tabby weave, weft ikat; silk
Measurements
Overall: 90.2 x 205.7 cm (35 1/2 x 81 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1925.118
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

The silk wefts of this textile were resist dyed with a design of elephants, temples, large tigers (?), sacred trees, and humans before the textile was woven. Both the weft-ikat technique and the motifs reveal the influence of Indian textiles, particularly patola. The dark reddish-maroon color of the ground, however, was not produced by over-dyeing, as in India and Bali, but by the combination of red wefts with black warps. This silk was made to serve as a wall hanging or ceiling canopy in a Buddhist temple.
A horizontal silk textile features three central bands of yellow and white patterns against dark maroon, flanked by solid maroon panels. The top band depicts yellow buildings with peaked roofs housing seated figures. In the middle band, white elephants face inward and outward, separated by yellow structures. Below, figures with bows ride horses. Fine, repeating ikat motifs fill the background between these larger scenes, creating a dense, intricate pattern across the center.

Wall Hanging or Ceiling Canopy

early 1900s

Cambodia, Khmer People, early 20th century

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