In the past hundred years or so chintz has come to mean any floral printed furnishing fabric. Its origins as a h&-drawn & dyed fabric from India are often forgotten but it is with these rare earlier chintzes that this book is concerned. It explores in detail the background & development of this beautiful technique & looks at the use of chintzes in Europe from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century first as bed-curtains & wall-hangings & later for popular mens & womens dress. The V& As collection published for the first time in glorious colour & including close-up details will interest interior designers textile students & those involved in fashion.