This mid-20th-century Kanduri Shrine Cloth is a profound example of North Indian folk art, originating from Uttar Pradesh. These textiles served as "contact relics," traditionally commissioned by pilgrims as votive offerings to be placed at the dargah (shrine) of the 11th-century warrior saint, Sayyid Salar Masud, also known as Ghazi Miyan.
Era: Mid-20th Century
Colors: Orange, camel, tan, cream, brown, purple
Materials: Cotton
Dimensions: 58" × 58"
Origin: Uttar Pradesh, India
The piece is a testament to the skill of traditional textile artisans, employing a blend of techniques to create its complex, narrative surface. It is crafted from cotton using cotton appliqué, hand-stitching, hand-embroidery, and machine-stitched borders. The composition features a warm palette of orange, camel, tan, cream, brown, and purple fabrics - earth tones characteristic of the region's folk textiles and designed to stand out within the vibrant atmosphere of the Urs festival.
The cloth functions as a visual record of a pilgrimage, capturing a high-energy procession through a stylized, flattened perspective common in folk art. At the bottom center, an architectural archway represents the tomb of Ghazi Miyan. The word Kanduri is derived from the Persian word for "tablecloth," referencing the sacred ritual of laying food and incense offerings upon these cloths at the shrine.
Stylized figures on horseback represent soldiers or cavalry, honoring Ghazi Miyan's legacy as a warrior saint. Dramatic scenes appear throughout the procession, including a prostrate figure surrendering before a crowned figure, illustrating themes of submission, humility, and divine judgment.
The artisan also incorporated symbolic human and everyday elements into the sacred narrative, including a figure holding a kite that represents a bridge between earthly prayers and the divine. A distinctive processional carriage with intentionally flattened wheels emphasizes narrative clarity over optical realism. Throughout the composition, star-like floral geometric motifs fill the spaces between scenes, creating a sense of sacred geometry, rhythmic harmony and balance.
This textile holds a unique, personal history. It was acquired from a fellow shop owner who traded for it directly while buying inventory in India. It came to me through a trade in exchange for consulting services I provided for his business, making it a true piece of "trader-to-trader" provenance.
It stands as a genuine, sacred art object, showing expected wear and light fading consistent with its age and use. Small tears at the upper corners attest to its history and authenticity as a pre-owned historical artifact.
Please note: Rod and clips are not included. All sales are final. Please ask any questions before purchasing. A signature will be required upon delivery. We do not ship to freight forwarding addresses. Thank you.
