Trade between East and West

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/intx/hd_intx.htm Visits to the V&A Museum Many things that we think of as typically British, from tea in china cups to chintz curtains, were originally imported from China, India or Japan. One of Britain’s most important past industries, cotton production, was developed to compete with India. This session will cover the history of trade with the East (1600 to 1900) and explore the V&A galleries for artefacts showing the influence of the East. The British east India company was became the main colonial power in  india by 1757 and were trading with south- east asia for spices, coffee and many luxurious goods which could not be found in europe especially their textiles. Indian textiles such as woven silks, muslin , cashmere  and chintz  not only were washable but had unique floral images which were very popular in europe at this time. Here is an example of chintz an elegant floral pattern and could only be found in india.  Indian printers often adapted their designs to their markets such as indonesia.  The European chintz on the left  and indonesian chintz on the right the difference is remarkable and roved to be advantages for the Indian traders. chintz wasn't only used for clothing but also interiors and were extremely expensive to buy.   As neoclassicism came around in the 1800 the dress and style of homes changed and was inspired by the ancient greeks which meant that muslin and soft Kashmir became very popular. During this time was the  invention of the steam roller made england the new major exporter of printed cotton  and soon after england manufactures printed cotton for india and many of the countries in the east.  The importing of british fabrics to india put pressure on local trade and craftsmen ignited the decline of the East india company as locals started to revolt and soon was abolished.  This wooden model marked the decline the of the british  empire in india and was ordered to be made for sultan Tipu.