Cape (India), 17th century (CH 18388629)

Semi-circular cape with a central square flanked by two wedge shapes and framed by multiple borders, all filled with a variety of fantastic and naturalistic birds, animals, and hunters on horses or elephants. In golden tan Tussah silk in fine chain stitch with outline and knot stitch fillings and accents on cotton ground, now mellowed to a light brown color, and covered with a fine scrolling leaf pattern in same silk in outline stitch. Similar cotton backing caught in with some of the quilting and major areas of embroidery.