Art-to-Art Palette Journal

Textile method captures fashion

ST. LOUIS, MO (PNAN) – Currently on view through January 8, 2023, “Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz” is an exhibition drawn from the collection of Indian chintz at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, including works from private collections and complementary objects from the Saint Louis Art Museum collection.

Woman’s Jacket (Wentke) with Flowers and Phoenixes, c.1700s; textile: Indian for European market; construction and trim: Dutch; cotton, painted mordants, and resist; © Royal Ontario Museum, Photo: Brian Boyle.

 

Starting in the 17th century, Indian artisans perfected complex methods for producing dyes and mordants to create painted and printed cloth in a spectrum of fade-resistant colors. These often brilliant and intricately designed textiles became known as chintz and consumers worldwide were captivated by the lavish fabric.

The exhibit reveals how this innovative method revolutionized fashion, industry and global trade as well as highlights contemporary Indian chintz artists who continue to advance this art form but with a deep concern for environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. In addition on view is a selection of European and American dress and furnishing textiles inspired by these fabrics.

More on this show and other programming, www.slam.org.

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