A vintage ralli quilt made from softly faded patchwork in muted pastel colours. The design is divided into four rectangular sections, with each part of the pattern pieced together from smaller fragments of patterned and plain fabric.

It shows areas of wear consistent with its age, adding to its character and timeworn appearance. A crisp plastic layer has been sandwiched within the quilt, giving it a firmer, slightly rustling feel rather than the soft drape of a conventional quilt.

Because of this, we think it is best suited to being displayed as a large wall hanging, where its patchwork, faded colours and signs of age can be properly appreciated.

Size: 195cm x 120cm (76" x 47")

Ralli quilts are part of a textile tradition found across the arid borderlands of western India and Pakistan, particularly Sindh and the Thar Desert, extending into Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Balochistan.

Traditionally made by women, they are constructed from layers of cloth using patchwork, appliqué, embroidery and hand quilting, often incorporating pieces of worn clothing or leftover fabric.

They were made for practical everyday use as bedding, sleeping mats, cushions, storage bags, temporary partitions and prayer textiles, while more elaborate examples also formed an important part of a woman’s dowry.

20th Century Vintage