Tenian (Furnishing Fabric) c. 1785

"Tenian (Furnishing Fabric)" is a printed cotton textile designed by Bromley Hall around 1785 and now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. The design features a repeating pattern of a romanticized, exotic landscape with palm trees, native huts, and figures in flowing robes, all rendered in shades of red against a white ground. This piece reflects the popular 18th-century fascination with far-off lands and the exotic, a trend that inspired numerous textiles and decorative arts. The textile's delicate detail and intricate design make it a compelling example of 18th-century textile artistry, showcasing the skill and sophistication of English printed cottons.