Plain Weave Cotton Collection

Sarong, 1850s-1860s. Creator: Unknown
Sarong, 1850s-1860s

Suzani: divan cover, 1700s. Creator: Unknown
Suzani:divan cover, 1700s

Pua (Ceremonial Blanket), late 1800s-early 1900s. Creator: Unknown
Pua (Ceremonial Blanket), late 1800s-early 1900s

Strawberry Thief, c 1936. Creator: William Morris (British, 1834-1896)
Strawberry Thief, c 1936. Perhaps the most recognizable of Morriss textiles, Strawberry Thief celebrates the thrushes in Kelmscott Manors garden

Marigold, 20th century. Creator: William Morris (British, 1834-1896)
Marigold, 20th century. Among Morriss first designs for printing on fabric, Marigold was originally intended for use on wallpaper, as seen in the image below

Les Travaux de la Manufacture, c. 1790s. Creator: Unknown
Les Travaux de la Manufacture, c. 1790s

Kennet, c 1920. Creator: William Morris (British, 1834-1896)
Kennet, c 1920. Morris said that he used the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria & Albert Museum) more than anyone alive

Eton Rural Cretonne (No. 172135), late 19th century. Creator: Unknown
Eton Rural Cretonne (No. 172135), late 19th century

Snakeshead, Early 20th century. Creator: William Morris (British, 1834-1896)
Snakeshead, Early 20th century. When Morris designed Snakeshead in 1877, Indian silks were in style and widely imported from British India

Ceremonial or summer floor cover, 1800s. Creator: Unknown
Ceremonial or summer floor cover, 1800s

Bandolier (Shoulder) Bag, 1880s?. Creator: Unknown
Bandolier (Shoulder) Bag, 1880s?. Inspired perhaps by British ammunition pouches, bandolier bags evolved from smaller native bags, similar to another in this case, to become one of the flashiest

Sarong 1850s-1860s Indonesia Java 19th cenetury
Sarong, 1850s-1860s. Indonesia, Java, 19th cenetury. Plain weave cotton; resist dyed; overall: 101.3 x 247.6 cm (39 7/8 x 97 1/2 in.)

Les Travaux de la Manufacture 1790s France Late 18th century
Les Travaux de la Manufacture, c. 1790s. France, Late 18th century. Plain weave cotton, printed; overall: 91.4 x 96.5 cm (36 x 38 in.)

Kennet 1920 William Morris British 1834-1896
Kennet, c 1920. William Morris (British, 1834-1896). Plain weave cotton, printed; overall: 90.2 x 97.8 cm (35 1/2 x 38 1/2 in.)

Snakeshead Early 20th century William Morris
Snakeshead, Early 20th century. William Morris (British, 1834-1896). Plain weave cotton, printed; overall: 85.1 x 100.3 cm (33 1/2 x 39 1/2 in.)

Marigold 20th century William Morris British
Marigold, 20th century. William Morris (British, 1834-1896). Plain weave cotton, printed; overall: 91.4 x 92.7 cm (36 x 36 1/2 in.)

Handkerchief 1857 Madeira 19th century Plain weave cotton
Handkerchief, 1857. Madeira, 19th century. Plain weave cotton? with cotton? embroidery; average: 45.8 x 41.3 cm (18 1/16 x 16 1/4 in.)

Textile 1800s India Iran Persia 19th century
Textile, 1800s. India or Iran (Persia), 19th century. Plain weave cotton, printed and painted; overall: 112.4 x 114.9 cm (44 1/4 x 45 1/4 in.)

Handkerchief 1800s Madeira 19th century Plain weave cotton
Handkerchief, 1800s. Madeira, 19th century. Plain weave cotton? with cotton? embroidery; average: 34.9 x 34.9 cm (13 3/4 x 13 3/4 in.)

Strawberry Thief 1936 William Morris British
Strawberry Thief, c 1936. William Morris (British, 1834-1896). Plain weave cotton, discharge printed; overall: 88.3 x 99.1 cm (34 3/4 x 39 in.)

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"Exploring the Rich History of Plain Weave Cotton: From Sarongs to Ceremonial Blankets" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of plain weave cotton, a versatile fabric that has been woven into countless cultural artifacts throughout history. Take a journey through different eras and regions as we uncover the stories behind some remarkable creations. One such piece is an exquisite sarong from the 1850s-1860s, originating from Java, Indonesia. Its intricate patterns and vibrant colors showcase the skillful craftsmanship of unknown creators who carefully wove this garment with love and precision. Moving further back in time, we encounter a stunning Suzani divan cover from the 1700s. This Central Asian masterpiece not only serves as a decorative element but also tells tales of ancient traditions and customs passed down through generations by anonymous artisans. Traveling across continents, we discover Pua, a ceremonial blanket dating back to the late 1800s or early 1900s. The meticulous weaving techniques employed by its unknown creator reflect both cultural significance and artistic expression within indigenous communities. The name William Morris resonates strongly when discussing plain weave cotton's influence on British design. His iconic works like "Strawberry Thief" (c. 1936) and "Marigold" (20th century) demonstrate Morris' mastery in transforming simple textiles into breathtaking pieces of art that continue to inspire today. Delving deeper into history reveals Les Travaux de la Manufacture (c. 1790s), an enigmatic creation whose origins remain shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, its intricately woven motifs speak volumes about skilled hands at work during this era. William Morris makes another appearance with his enchanting design called Kennet (c. 1920). With its delicate floral patterns adorning curtains or upholstery fabrics, it showcases how they are elevate everyday objects into extraordinary ones that bring beauty and joy to our lives.