Tent panel

Title
Tent panel
Year/Period
18th century
Region
Rajasthan, possibly Jaipur, India
Dimension
Object size: W: 431,
x H: 260cm
Accession No.
1997-02617

This is an 18th century Rajasthani qanat (tent panel). It has three sections bounded by cusped arches and an alternating motif of cypress and foliage along the border stenciled in gold leaf. Each of the three arches depicts either flowering poppy plants or chrysanthemums. This style is attributed to Amer or Jaipur toshkhana (workshop). It is interesting to note that Qanats were mobile palaces of princes, but its concept is very old, qanats were set up during weddings and special festivals, by setting up walls, canopies and curtains using cloth, bamboo and ropes to create an enclosed space that could be raised and dismantled whenever required.