“The kantha (pronounced variously kantha, kaentha, ketha, kheta) is an indigenous quilt, made in Bangladesh and West Bengal traditionally from old saris, dhotis and lungis. Everyday kanthas are used as coverlets, wrappers for books, clothes, and other articles. For special occasions, kanthas are embroidered with scenes from legends, folktales, contemporary life, religious, floral, and symbolic motifs, border patterns. Though each piece is different, most kanthas have a similar pattern, with a lotus at the centre and forming the focal point of the design. In the four corners of the kantha are embroidered tree‑of‑life motifs that point towards the lotus. Scenes and symbols drawn from a common stock are embroidered in the empty spaces between the central and corner motifs. Embroidered quilts have come to be known as nakshi kantha, a term popularized by the poet Jasim Uddin in his narrative poem, Nakshi Kanthar Math translated into English as The Field of the Embroidered Quilt. The main stitch used is the running stitch, but in a variety of ways, creating a variety of designs and textures. Traditionally, red and black or blue yarn was predominantly used for motifs, with white yarn being used for the background or field of the quilt. However, the greater availability of colored yarn – generally cotton – has led to a greater variety of color. After a period of dormancy, the nakshi kantha has seen a revival. It is no longer a domestic folk art meant for family members, but an art form for public display.” — Niaz Zaman