Chintz. Indian Cotton Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection

Chintz. Indian Cotton Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection
Authors: Karun Thakar, edited by Avalon Fotheringham

A visual masterpiece on the rich history and global influence of Indian cotton prints.

The stunning coffee table book Chintz offers an in-depth look at the world of hand-printed and painted cotton fabrics from India. Featuring the unrivaled Karun Thakar collection, meticulously built over the past thirty years, this photobook delves into the cultural and artistic significance of chintz, a textile form that played a crucial role in global trade, fashion, and interior design for centuries.

This impressive collection encompasses over two hundred rare pieces, dating from the 14th to the 20th century, some of which are exclusively found in museum collections. Many of these objects have been exhibited in leading museums in recent years, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Why this book is a unique addition to your collection:

• Contains rare, world-class Indian chintz textiles
• History and influence of chintz on global trade and design
• With contributions from leading international experts and museum curators
• Richly illustrated with exceptionally high-quality photographs
• Indispensable for lovers of textile art, fashion history, and postcolonial studies

Chintz explores the historical context of these enchanting fabrics and their global dissemination, from Sri Lanka and Japan to Europe. The book not only reveals the artistic mastery of Indian designers but also the cultural narratives woven into these fabrics. A valuable publication for textile enthusiasts, art historians, and anyone interested in global cultural exchange throughout the centuries.

About the authors

Karun Thakar is one of the world's most respected textile collectors and researchers. His impressive collection advocates for the preservation of intangible heritage and highlighting underrepresented cultures. Through textiles, Thakar aims to shed new light on postcolonial histories and forgotten crafts. He collaborates with international museums and established the Karun Thakar Fund at the V&A Museum in 2021 to support young talent worldwide in researching Asian and African textiles.

Avalon Fotheringham, the editor of this book, is curator of South Asian textiles and dress at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Together with other renowned experts such as John Guy (Metropolitan Museum of Art), Sylvia Houghteling (Bryn Mawr College), and Ebeltje Hartkamp-Jonxis (Rijksmuseum), she ensures a scientifically and culturally substantiated publication that is both informative and visually stunning.