Description
What “Tree of Life” Textiles Are (and Why They’re So Beloved)
Tree of Life textiles are richly patterned fabrics featuring a central flowering tree, often surrounded by birds, animals, and fantastical foliage. They originate from Indian Palampore cloths of the 17th–18th centuries, which were hand‑painted or block‑printed cotton panels exported to Europe. These designs later evolved into Jacobean and Chinoiserie‑influenced embroideries in England.
• Chelsea Textiles notes that these designs often mix Indian and Chinoiserie motifs, adapted for English tastes in the 17th–18th centuries.
• Liberty Fabrics describes their Tree of Life collection as inspired by Indian Palampore textiles, symbolising a personal journey through nature’s life cycle.
