Minneapolis Institute of Art

Mattress cover (Yathra denkheb)

Bhutan

Date

20th century

Medium

Wool, cotton, single-face supplementary weft patterning

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

In Bhutanese homes large, firm cushions or low box-frame couches provide comfortable places to take one's rest. Colorful textiles called denkheb function as a type of mattress cover that both protects and embellishes the sleeping surface. The most prestigious form of denkheb originates in central Bhutan and consists of two panels of yathra cloth stitched together lengthwise. Yathra cloth is a heavy, woolen fabric that features wide bands of weft patterns alternating with colorful stripes. During the reign of Bhutan's second king (1926-52), however, a new style of yathra cloth became fashionable that imitated the designs used in Tibetan rugs. Small, geometric designs cover the surface of the cloth, and the piece is unified with a meander border the encloses the patterning. Asia

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