Rectangular floorspread or cover. Cotton, embroidered with floss silk and metal-wrapped thread. Central oval medallion with radiating flowering stems; quarter medallions in the corners; border with large floral meander. Coverlet, cotton embroidered with silk. Deccan, 18th century Embroideries of this type, with elaborate floral designs worked in floss silk in satin stitch, and often with areas of couched metal-wrapped thread, have been attributed to various centres, including Goa. It seems likely that they were actually produced in the Deccan during the 18th century. This one is said to have belonged to Tipu Sultan of Mysore, who died at the battle of Seringapatam in 1799. FLOORSPREAD OR COVERLET Cotton, embroidered with floss silk metal thread and sequins South India Probably 1700-50 783-1864 This was said to have been owned by Tipu Sultan and to have been taken at Seringapatam. The museum bought it in 1864. [27/9/2013]