fibre-art, weaving, textile, cotton
pattern heavy
fibre-art
man-made pattern
pattern
weaving
textile
geometric pattern
geometric
geometric-abstraction
cotton
decorative-art
Dimensions 60 x 36 in. (152.4 x 91.44 cm)
This mattress cover was made by an anonymous artist, probably a home textile worker. You can almost feel the rhythm of the needle moving across the fabric. Imagine the maker, surrounded by skeins of yarn, carefully choosing each color and stitch. What stories did they tell themselves as they worked? Each diamond and cross motif could be a little prayer, a wish for the sleeper to have good dreams and protection through the night. The faded reds and blues speak of time and use, a gentle patina of daily life. I wonder about the other textiles that this artist made. Is this one of many or their only surviving work? Textiles are so deeply personal, carrying the touch of the maker and the imprint of those who used them. And I love how a simple object like this mattress cover can be a canvas for creativity and care, embodying the artistry of everyday life.
Comments
In Bhutanese homes large, firm cushions or low box-frame couches provide comfortable places to take one's rest. Colorful textiles called denkheb function as a type of mattress cover that both protects and embellishes the sleeping surface. The most prestigious form of denkheb originates in central Bhutan and consists of two panels of yathra cloth stitched together lengthwise. Yathra cloth is a heavy, woolen fabric that features wide bands of weft patterns alternating with colorful stripes. During the reign of Bhutan's second king (1926-52), however, a new style of yathra cloth became fashionable that imitated the designs used in Tibetan rugs. Small, geometric designs cover the surface of the cloth, and the piece is unified with a meander border the encloses the patterning.
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