Fabrics and Global Trade at the Met

The world-spanning trade of the Renaissance gave rise to many experiments in global style, from paisley ties to blue willow china. The tastes of elites in Europe, India, and the Middle East went polyglot, and artists and artisans created hybrid designs to please them. The Met is now staging an exhibit titled Interwoven Globe: the World Textile Trade, 150-1800, highlighting textiles from its collection that show these interconnections. The NY Times has a review and slide show. Above, an eighteenth-century Indian "palampore" -- wall hangings made by combinations of dying and embroidery -- made for the European market.

A tapestry dating to 1690 to 1815, probably woven in London, showing Asian scenes.

A hanging made in India for the British market in the eighteenth century, showing scenes of battles between Europeans and Indians. Looks like a wonderful show, and it is good to be reminded of how globalization has been changing the world for centuries.