Types
Kanthas generally denote quilts used as wrappers; however, all articles made by quilting old cloth may also be referred to by the same generic name. However, depending on the size and purpose, kanthas may be divided into various articles, each with its specific names. The various types of kantha are as follows:
- Quilt (lep in Bengali)
- A light quilted covering made from the old sarees/dhotis/lungis and sometimes from sheet cloths.
- Large spread (Naksi Kantha in Bengali)
- An embellished quilt embroidered in traditional motifs and innovative style
- Puja floor spread (Ason in Bengali)
- Cloth spread for sitting at a place of worship or for an honoured guest.
- Cosmetic wrapper (Arshilota in Bengali)
- A narrow embroidered wrapper to roll and store away a woman's comb, mirror, eye kohl, vermilion, sandal paste, oil bottle, etc. Often, a tying string is used to bind the wrap, as in later day satches.
- Wallet (Batwa thoiley in Bengali)
- Small envelop shaped bag for keeping money, betel leaves, etc.
- Cover for Quran (ghilaf in Arabic and Bengali)
- Envelope shaped bag to cover the Quran.
- Prayer mats (Jainamaz in Bengali)
- Mats used by Muslims to say prayers.
- Floor spread (Galicha in Bengali)
- Floor coverings.
- Cloths wrapper (Bostani, guthri in Bengali)
- A square wrapper for books and other valuables.
- Cover (Dhakni in Bengali)
- Covering cloths of various shapes and sizes.
- Ceremonial meal spread (Daster khan in Bengali)
- A spread for eating place, used at meal time.
- Pillow cover (Balisher chapa or oshar in Bengali)
- A flat single piece pillow cover.
- Handkerchief (Rumal)
- Small and square in shape.
- Modern day articles
- Today newer uses are found for nakshi kanthas, such as bedspreads, wall hangins, cushion covers, ladies' purses, place mats, jewellery boxes, dress fronts, skirts border, shawls and sharees.
Read more about this topic: Nakshi Kantha
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