karun thakar Karun Thakar has been collecting textiles and other objects for over four decades. He is drawn to forms of making and designs that speak of human creativity, skill and artistry across cultures and time. Of the tens of thousands of global textiles in his collection, many hint at hidden layers of meaning and unheard stories: of identity and belonging, trade, colonialism, migration, exchange and the wider human experience.
This new publication explores the historic importance of Indian printed and painted cotton textiles, drawing on the Karun Thakar Collection. Assembled over thirty years, the collection comprises more than two hundred examples, many of which have been featured in significant museum exhibitions. With contributions from leading scholars and curators, including those from the V&A and The Met, this book examines the historical significance of Indian printed cottons and their influence on global trade from the fourteenth century onwards, and includes examples found in Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia and throughout Europe.
Karun is passionate about democratising art and bringing forward lesser-known narratives, through sharing his collection with a wider audience. To date, he has organised five exhibitions in venues within educational institutions. Seven books present understudied objects in an accessible but academically robust manner.
Chintz provides insights into the artistry of Indian designers and the enduring legacy of this textile tradition, making it a valuable resource for those with an interest in art history, textile design and global cultural exchange.
Textile research is notoriously under-resourced. In 2020, The Karun Thakar Fund was set up with the V&A to address this imbalance, awarding substantial grants for the study of African and Asian textiles and dress.
ISBN: 978-1-78884-345-4
9 781788 843454 www.accartbooks.com
58500 £60.00/$85.00