22 1/4 x 18 1/2 in. (frame).

Note from Francesca Galloway: This is a fragment of stamp resist dyed cotton in maroon and brown, depicting hamsa, or geese, circling around a lotus medallion. The pattern was produced by stamping a wax resist to create an outline of the design. Mordants were then painted within the wax boundaries and the cloth dyed. These textiles have usually come from Fostat, the old burying ground outside Cairo, where many Coptic and early Islamic tiraz fragments were also found. In recent years, early Indian textiles have also been found in Sulawesi (Indonesia). Although Fostat is in a very dry climate ideal for preserving textiles and Indonesia is in a more tropical climate, these Indian export cloths were carefully kept and treasured by their Indonesian owners. Ruth Barnes from the Ashmolean Museum tested their example, also found in Sulawesi, by radio-carbon (C-14) analysis with results showing a date 1400 AD + or - 40 years. 

Literature: Les Toiles Imprimees de Fostat et L'Indoustan, R. Pfister, 1938 p. 11. 

In Quest of Themes & Skills - Asian Textiles, edited by Krishna Riboud.

Early Indian Textiles Discovered in Egypt, Valerie Berinstain, p.17.

Indian Block Printed Textiles In Egypt - The Newberry Collection in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford by Ruth Barnes, 1997, pl.13 1117.

Indian Trade Textiles, Ruth Barnes, Hall, July 1996 Issue 87, p. 80-85.

In stabilized condition. With scattered holes, tears, and discoloration throughout. 

Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.