West Bengal specialised in handkerchief for the European and American markets during the 18 and 19th centuries. Plain undyed silk kora was hand block printed into flowery choppas - from Hindi chapna meaning to print. This is not a handkerchief but I think the same informtion could apply. A rare piece.
The border with a continuous flower trail hand block printed in ochre on a terracotta ground, surrounding the ochre centre printed with small suns, 36 in/90 cm sq.
Excellent
The Fabric of India, Crill Rosemary p 164/5
Interwoven Globe. The Worldwide Textile Trade 1500-1800 p 114, fig 101.
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