This well-preserved prayer cloth, made in Machilipatnam (Masulipatam), Andhra Pradesh, was crafted for the local Muslim community and Islamic export markets like Persia and Indonesia, facilitated by Armenian traders. Made from cotton and decorated using the kalamkari technique (block-printed and hand-drawn with bamboo pens), it features a mihrab (prayer arch) design. The central red field is adorned with Mughal-style floral sprays, cypress-like trees, and peacocks above the arch. The textile is backed with red cotton, a feature found in similar examples, suggesting it was added during original production. Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
circa 1850
circa 1850
Cotton, Wooden frame
H 30.5" / W 20.5"
