Chintz explores the historic importance of Indian printed and painted cotton textiles, drawing on the Karun Thakar Collection. Assembled over thirty years, the collection comprises over two hundred examples, many of which have featured in significant museum exhibitions. With contributions from leading scholars and curators, including from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this book examines the historical significance of Indian printed cottons and their influence on global trade from the 14th century onward, and includes examples found in Sri Lanka, Japan and throughout Europe. The book provides insights into the artistry of Indian designers and the enduring legacy of this textile tradition, making it a valuable resource for those with an interest in art history, textile design and global cultural exchange. AUTHOR: A prolific collector and researcher of textiles, Karun Thakar has refined his discerning approach over forty years, building one of the most important private collections in the world. He believes that every textile in his collection has a story to tell about the people who made it and the way that they lived. He lends and donates pieces to international museums to deepen the understanding of what they mean and the cultures to which they belong. Through cloth and his wider collection, he hopes to contribute to a wider understanding of postcolonial narratives. A key aspect of his collecting, exhibiting and publishing is to present objects, such as domestic embroidery, that are not represented in museum collections, and to engage a new audience and demographic through these objects and their many untold narratives. He believes that exploring people's histories through the medium of cloth offers an ideal way to address difficult and complex topics both contemporary and historical. He has published seven books about his collection, and in 2021 launched the Karun Thakar Fund at the V&A. The fund offers scholarships and grants of up to £10,000 to students, early career researchers and emerging practitioners working anywhere in the world on any aspect of Asian or African textiles and dress. SELLING POINTS: . Pieces from the collection have been included in three major museum shows since 2020 . Details the best private collection of Indian chintz in Europe, arguably the world . The collection ranges in date from the 14th century through to the 20th century, and includes examples that only exist in museum collections . The contributing authors include all the leading museum curators and researchers in this field 300 colour illustrations
