One of the aims of the Great Exhibition of 1851 was to educate visitors in the principles of good design. Brocades from India were especially appreciated for not only the quality of their technique but also for the composition of their design. Following the close of the exhibition, the South Kensington Museum purchased a number of these brocades for their collection, of which this length was one. Though now greatly faded, the original flower motif would have been a striking combination of bright yellow silk and silver gilt-wrapped thread against the dark red background.