Embroidered Velvet Mat

The Mogul style is one of the most important styles of Islamic world. Moghul textiles were commissioned by Maharajas and their courtiers to decorate tents and equestrian furnishings.  Later on in the 19th century they became popular and were used by the British colonialists and the Indian middle class.

This velvet textile is cochineal dyed with couched metal thread embroidery. An embroidered textile like this was a multi-purpose object, used as a floor covering, tablecloth, wrapping cloths or wall hanging.

Deaccessioned from the Niza Palace in Hyderabad, India.