Rare Bengali Nakshi Kantha with Fish Border c late 19th Century

A rare and exceptionally well-preserved nakshi kantha (embroidered quilt) from Bengal, worked in cotton with brilliantly coloured embroidery in red, yellow, black, green and blue.

This large kantha is constructed in the traditional manner from layered sari cloth, quilted throughout with fine running stitch, and richly embroidered with narrative and auspicious motifs. A bold central medallion radiates outward with floral rosettes and patterned fields, while the surrounding panels depict elephants with riders and attendants, processional figures, and elaborate paisley and lotus-like forms.

The entire textile is framed by a superb fish border, the fish worked in dense satin stitch with cross-hatched scales in alternating colours — a labour-intensive detail that is rarely encountered. Geometric trellis borders in black and red further define the composition.

The kantha is a classic example of folk art embroidery from rural Bengal, where women recycled worn saris into functional yet highly decorative quilts. In this case, the fine quality of the stitching and the complex figural motifs suggest it was made for ceremonial or dowry use rather than daily wear.