According to the acquisition records of the India Museum, to which this saddle-cloth or small carpet belonged before coming to the South Kensington Museum in 1879, this piece was formerly in the collection of a 'General Malcolm', presumably Sir John Malcolm (1769-1833) who was Governor of Bombay from 1827-30. A saddle-cloth identical to this one was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and attracted the admiration of Owen Jones for its design and harmony of colours.