The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 25, 2024
Lotus-blossom petal canopy
1500s–early 1600s
Overall: 186.7 x 175.7 cm (73 1/2 x 69 3/16 in.); Mounted: 191.8 x 203.2 cm (75 1/2 x 80 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2006.136
Location: not on view
Description
This is the most spectacular early Indian silk that has survived, dating from the 16th century during the Muslim Sultanate period. Six concentric circles of lotus petals alternate with foliate motifs while mythical fighting animalsshown surrounded by flames or foliage—a green eight-legged creature attacking a yellow hybrid-lion—enliven the corners, all framed by a sinuous leaf border in brilliant colors. The imagery reflects a pan-Indian style with Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim elements. This rare silk appears to be the central section of a larger canopy. The interrupted border pattern suggests there was additional fabric at each end. Luxurious canopies were essential accouterments of rulers, displayed as conspicuous symbols of power and wealth while also providing welcome shade.- March 25, 2004(Christie's New York, March 25, 2004 sale, lot no. 55)?–2006(The Textile Gallery, London, England, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)2006–The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Mackie, Louise W. Symbols of Power: Luxury Textiles from Islamic Lands, 7th-21st Century. Cleveland; New Haven: Cleveland Museum of Art; Yale University Press, 2015. Reproduced: P.6, fig. 10.4
- Luxuriance: Silks from Islamic Lands, 1250-1900. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (May 14, 2013-June 23, 2014).
- {{cite web|title=Lotus-blossom petal canopy|url=false|author=|year=1500s–early 1600s|access-date=25 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2006.136