Design for an Elephant Textile

Currently not on view

Design for an Elephant Textile

Late 18th - early 19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Jewelry designs often originated in pattern books: an artist would draw and perfect the design, then give it to a goldsmith to manufacture. This decorative drawing is actually a design for a jeweled forehead ornament for a processional elephant. The sun, moon, peacock, and scene of a flute‑playing Krishna with his loving Radha overlay a geometric floral pattern. This pattern probably represents woven openwork, replete with leaf‑and‑pearl tassels. Elephants were an important component of every king’s army in India, often marching in military parades and religious processions. The heavily ornamented animal reflected the abundant wealth of the king.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Design for an Elephant Textile
An Artist's Design for an Elephant Textile

Date:

Late 18th - early 19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor on paper

Dimensions:

Sheet: 31 3/8 × 24 inches (79.7 × 61 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Bequest of Dean Walker, 2006

Accession Number:

2006-53-129

Geography:

Made in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Asia

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Currently not on view