Indian Chintz Cap
18th century/20th century

The Indian hand painted, resist and mordant dyed cotton is from the 17th century. It was produced on the Coromandel Coast in south-east India for the Western export market. The fabric was originally probably made as a woman's dress, but over the years made into other items. In the 19th and 20th centuries there was a huge interest in folk dress, and pieces of chintz were used for making caps, skirts and dress items. The fact that this small cap was made from four fragments indicates the high esteem felt for Indian chintz, when every little piece was used. 

Description

The small cap made up of three pieces of chintz in madder, indigo, aubergine, pale blue on a cream ground, edged with a maroon and cream tape border with stars and crowns, lined in 20th century with a woven red and cream striped cotton.

The lower border 8 in; 20 cm wide

Condition

Great colours. Good condition.