Yellow-ground fragment with black pattern of vines c. 19th century

This yellow-ground fragment with a black pattern of vines was made by an anonymous artist at an unknown time. It’s a piece of patterned cloth that likely served a practical purpose, before finding its way into the collection of an art museum. In cultures around the world, textiles transmit social meaning and the patterns we choose to wear often speak to our identity. Textiles are used to denote status and affiliation. This fragment is visually interesting and it's easy to imagine it being part of a larger piece of clothing or home furnishing. The history of textiles also involves international trade. Cloth and clothing have been objects of desire and their exchange between cultures speaks to complex histories of power and colonialism. Historians often consult trade records, museum collections, and historical photographs to learn more about the social and cultural life of cloth. The study of textiles can reveal the nuances of everyday life.