Embroidered Tablecover

Square panel of pashmina (wool from Tibetan goat), dark red ground, scarcely visible, covered with all-over embroidery in chain stitch representing animals, trees and human beings. The outer border consists of multiple scenes, each framed by an Indo Islamicate arch. These scenes gesture at painting traditions of the time, and depict interior and exterior court, hunting, leisure, parade, and battle scenes. Central circular motif emanates from roundel containing untranslated Persian inscription. Red predominating color except for center and corners where pale blues, greens and yellow predominate. Corners and central circle have elaborate use of gold threads. Lined with mauve sateen. Tears on border.