Block printed yellow mask

Indians have dressed in block printed cottons for thousands of years, with garment shapes and designs changing over time. During COVID, the facemask became yet a new body covering whose surface could be printed with brightly coloured, distinctive motifs. The example here with its yellow ground and small floral repeats is one design that reaches back many centuries. The finely worked tassels were made by yet other textile specialists, and add to the mask’s unique personality.

Distributed by Dastkari Haat Samiti, Indian arts organization, India

2020

Designed in Gujarat, India

Made in India

Block printed cotton

Royal Ontario Museum
2021.27.28