Vintage Hand-Stitched Kanduri Cloth With Animal and Tree of Life Appliqué, India, C. 1950s

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Introducing a vintage hand-stitched Kanduri cloth with Animal and Tree of Life Appliqué is a traditional North Indian devotional textile … Read more Introducing a vintage hand-stitched Kanduri cloth with Animal and Tree of Life Appliqué is a traditional North Indian devotional textile originating from Uttar Pradesh, India. Measuring 53" x 87", this intricately crafted piece is a profound example of sacred folk art. Historically, Kanduri cloths—a name derived from the Persian word for "tablecloth"—were commissioned by pilgrims as votive offerings or "contact relics" to be placed at the dargah (shrine) of the 11th-century Muslim warrior saint, Sayyid Salar Mas'ud (Ghazi Miyan) during the annual Urs festival. This specific piece features delicate pastel colors, hand-stitched cotton appliqué, and traditional Kantha work depicting whimsical animals alongside the symbolic Tree of Life.

These textiles represent a rare bridge of shared religious folk traditions, venerated by both Muslim and Hindu pilgrims who visit the shrine in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. The central Tree of Life signifies a connection between earthly prayers and the divine, while the flanking animal motifs (such as elephants, camels, and birds) symbolize protection, strength, and narrative clarity over strict realism.

Crafted in the late 1940s or early 1950s this breathtaking piece is inspiring in its scope and its scale. At over 7 feet tall this extraordinary piece is ideal for designers and collectors alike searching for an authentic Kanduri cloth artwork. Its soft pastel and maroon tones and storytelling motifs make it highly sought after as a rare focal wall tapestry and is ready to hang directly in curated mid-century, eclectic, or nursery spaces. Make it yours today before it's gone forever.

---Dimensions---
Width: 53 in / 134.62 cm
Depth: 1 in / 2.54 cm
Height: 87 in / 220.98 cm See less