Palm Palampore Digital Interactive
The “flowering tree” was a favorite European motif for Indian chintz wall or bed hangings. It uniquely combines Iranian, Chinese, Indian, and Western themes. The tree’s branches sprout with a wide range of flowers and fruits from around the world, while animals frolic inside and atop the intricate rocky base. Some motifs are realistic, others reflect the painter’s imagination.
Scroll down to learn more about some of these motifs!
Two lions rest in the rocky mound at the bottom of this wall hanging. Central India is home to the Asiatic lion, Panthera leo leo, but the lions shown here wear crowns. They were likely inspired by the lions on the coat of arms depicted on Dutch coins which were widely circulated in Asia.
Look for similarities between this motif and the photo of the coin.
A pair of giant squirrels glide among the tree branches. The chintz artist has delicately rendered their shapes in fine black lines. Their ears, eyes, and broad tails resemble the Indian giant squirrel, Ratufa indica, native to tropical forests of India.
Look for similarities between this motif and the photo of the Indian Giant Squirrel.
Some fanciful flowers created by Indian artisans may have been inspired by real plants. These clam-like flower parts are similar to the bright red fruits of the wild Indian almond tree, Sterculia foetida, with slits on one side that open to release their seeds.
Look for similarities between this motif and the photo of the wild Indian almond tree fruits. Can you find the same shapes in other flowers on this piece?
Among the many pairs of animals in the rocky mound area doe and buck. Their red coloring and rows of spots identify them as spotted deer, Axis axis, India’s most common species of deer.
Look for similarities between this motif and the photo of the spotted deer.
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