Sheet with floral and bird pattern 1700 - 1800

This small textile sheet, with its lively floral and bird pattern, was created by an anonymous maker. We don't know exactly when, but it showcases a technique of mordant-dyeing, a kind of printing onto cotton. The process begins with a mordant, a metallic substance that fixes the dye to the cloth. The fabric would be repeatedly printed, dyed and rinsed, building up layers of colour and pattern. What we see here is a design made up of pinkish-red flowers, alongside leaves and a curious bird form in shades of green and brown. The inherent qualities of cotton influenced the artwork's appearance, giving a soft absorbent quality to the print. The process of mordant-dyeing required immense skill and labor, part of a long tradition passed down through generations of artisans. These textiles became a vital commodity in global trade, connecting local makers to the world's markets. Appreciating the amount of work involved reminds us of the interconnected histories of design, craft, and global commerce.