Large Antique Indian Export Chintz Panel in Hand-Block Printed Cotton, 19th Century, Set of 2

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Description

Antique Indian block printed cotton textile panel, dating to the second half of the 19th century.

The textile is composed … Read more Antique Indian block printed cotton textile panel, dating to the second half of the 19th century.

The textile is composed of two original printed panels, each approximately 91 cm wide, which when joined together form a large decorative panel measuring about 182 cm in width and 259 cm in length.

Unlike the companion panel with the central Tree of Life composition, this textile presents a magnificent large-scale **Indienne ramage pattern**, with sinuous flowering branches, stylized blossoms and fruit motifs, including pomegranates and fantastical botanical forms. The composition reflects the rich ornamental language of traditional Indian chintz textiles.

The decoration is framed by an elaborate floral border typical of Indian export textiles, while the outer vertical edges are finished with an applied passementerie trim that enhances the decorative character of the piece.

Hand block printed using carved wooden blocks, the textile displays a vibrant palette of traditional chintz colours — reds, greens, blues and warm ochre tones on a light background.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Indian printed cottons, known in Europe as **chintz**, were highly sought after and exported in large quantities to Western markets. These textiles profoundly influenced European decorative arts and textile design, giving rise to the famous “Indiennes” produced in France, Switzerland and other European centres.

This panel represents a beautiful example of that long cultural exchange between India and Europe. When joined together, the two sections create a large and striking decorative textile that pairs perfectly with the companion Tree of Life panel, creating a remarkable visual dialogue between two related yet distinct decorative traditions.

The structured composition with a clearly framed central field and multiple floral borders reflects the decorative format of Indian export textiles produced for European interiors during the 18th and 19th centuries. Such textiles were often used as bed covers or large decorative wall hangings.

The style of the floral ramage, the presence of stylized pomegranate motifs and the structure of the decorative borders suggest a production likely associated with the Indian Coromandel Coast, one of the main centers for the manufacture of export chintz between the 18th and 19th centuries. Textiles produced in this region were widely exported to Europe and became highly influential in Western decorative arts.

The textile originally consisted of two printed panels that were historically joined together to form a large decorative sheet. The panels are currently separated and are sold in this condition.

Each panel measures approximately 91 cm in width and 261 cm in length. When rejoined, they recreate a large decorative textile measuring approximately 182 × 261 cm.

This configuration allows the future owner either to reunite the panels in order to restore the original large composition, or to use them individually as decorative textile panels.
Thanks to its generous dimensions and strong decorative presence, the textile can be used as:

– a large wall hanging
– decorative textile panel
– bed cover or throw
– curtain panel or interior textile element

A highly decorative antique textile, ideal for collectors of Indian chintz, export textiles or historic printed cottons.

A companion Tree of Life panel from the same textile ensemble is also available

Origin: India
Period: second half of the 19th century
Material: hand block printed cotton (chintz)
Construction: two original panels to be joined together
Dimensions: Total dimension of the 2 panels when joined approx. 182 × 259 cm (each panel is 91 cm wide)
Condition: good antique condition with normal signs of age. See less