What is Chintz – The Resurgence Of A Historic Textile With a Modernistic Twist

Indian chintz does not need an introduction, yet not everyone appreciates the long history of this colourful hand painted or wood blocked glazed cotton fabric, crafted by Indian artisans for centuries.

In very simple terms, the meaning of chintz is typically an applied technique of repeat florals and motif design patterns, on bleached cotton fabric using mordants and resists to help the dye adhere. The bleaching became a 'process' to keep the colours vibrant and the term ‘chintz’ originated from India and derived from the Hindu word ‘chint’, meaning spotted.

A Short Summary on Chintz  

Chintz was introduced to Europeans as far back as the 15^th century (predominately by Portuguese and Dutch traders) when they set out on their search for spices. This textile made its way to Europe by the mid 16^th Century and sparked vast interest and eventually became a highly sought-after textile throughout the world, including the Americas.

“The painting of ‘chints’ proceeds in a most leisurely manner, similar to the crawling of snails which appear to make no headway. Anyone who would represent patience…could use the painters of Palicol as a model.” 

Daniel Havart, 1693. 

Chintz was banned for some time in parts of Europe due to the detrimental threat to the local linen, wool, and silk mills and to help protect businesses; however, it still managed to sneak its way in, as it was extremely popular with the ‘upper classes’ in Britain, France and the Netherlands.

By the 18^th century the design was widely used for clothing, upholstery, bedspreads, curtains, soft furnishings, and wallhangings. Chintz began captivating the world. It became increasingly in demand with fashion textile homes by the 19^th century.

An Undeniable Quality  

Further, by the 19^th century the finished product of ‘Chintz’ was proving to be very expensive due to the long process involved. Imitation chintz was eventually industrialised to make way for an economical and faster alternative to the traditional methods, and to meet with high demand. 

Despite the quality of the new variation comparing relatively well, making it now affordable for ‘all the classes’, the chintz exported from India remained the preferred choice due to its beautiful texture and organic elements, which Europeans were not quite up to speed in adopting.

When we think of chintz in Western society, we think of how furniture, wallpaper, homewares, table linens and clothing was adorned with this intricate design and even now in the 21st century its popularity continues, whether you like it or not. This style of print (for some) may have been exhausted throughout interior design over the centuries, but it will undoubtedly continue to make its presence felt (as it deserves) well into the next. You could say chintz has had a recent revival thanks to mid-century modern, which means you are basically mixing vintage design with new pieces.

Despite this, it was quoted in the 1990’s “chintz prints were classified as dead” for some and considered ‘over exposed’ in the 1980’s by design houses like Laura Ashley for instance, who always had a place for chintz.

How To Decorate Your Home with Chintz

Chintz has always been a light-medium weighted textile and suitable for soft furnishings, cushions and table linens.

You are not wrong in thinking chintz has had current and past trends, especially with its timeless floral patterns coming in and out of style for hundreds of years, as we know it. Today you can decorate with chintz in interior design to replicate the past and it will not look out of place.

If you love contrast, team chintz with basic neutral bases (like white or beige) and a splash of colour, and watch your space come to life with a modernistic twist to the past.

Written by Marina Mura for Décor Mantra

<sub>Decor Mantra is a small Australian owned business based in Melbourne who source unique, handmade, natural and sustainable products. Their mantra is to 'celebrate handmade'.

It is good to see they create ethical opportunities for several independent artisans across India, and ensure a fair-paid and collaborative work environment for their makers to practice their craft, and keep their time honoured practices.</sub>

_{With sustainability becoming a big environmental factor, they clearly do their bit for the planet by sourcing sustainable and eco friendly products (and packaging) by their artisan partners.}

_{Decor Mantra are soon to launch a traditional Indian chintz collection and I anticipate this to be coming through over the coming months, so keep a watch here or visit their website for more details.}

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Credits:

The BBC Collection

Homes and Antiques

Fashion & Textile Museum

Myrtle at Atelier Nostalgia

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Interior Image product credits:

Concept boards by Evoke Interior Decorating

Lounge Lovers

Lighting Collective

Designer Boys Art

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