Vintage African Leopard, hand-painted to be used as a tablecloth or hung as a tapestry; it's fabulous on a bed or table.

This is a one of a kind artisan made textile shows how the artist sees the elegance and power of her green eyed leopard, highlighted by colors of indigo, gold, salmon, periwinkle and framed with a black border.

I met a very talented Xhosa artist in South Africa and this is her work. I met her while visiting an interesting local entity run by non-Africans. This artist was in a backroom, doing the work, although the credit was being given to someone else as the artist (not unusual at all).

This work of art was lovingly handmade by the artist. I always purchase in quantity because the purpose is not to purchase art, but it is my way of contributing what is needed by the artisan to start or continue their business, and the artist is contributing her talent and knowledge of art and African textiles to me.

The fabric is 100% cotton, but it's difficult to tell that it's only cotton because of the layers of paint and the method these textiles are made using porridge and other traditional organics in a way that some countries use wax.

While in South Africa, I found that all of the artisans I met who made tablecloths or tapestries, also made matching pillows/cushion covers. You will see some the pillows in the African Tribal Pillow section of this shop.

If you are drawn to this style of work; you will love the other handcrafted by this Xhosa artist.

Approximate Dimensions: 55" X 58"