Printed handkerchiefs like this were a major export item from Bengal to Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. This type, with floral print on a tussar silk ground, is close to other types of printed tussar textiles such as saris made in the textile centre of Berhampur. The major export for trade goods like the handkerchief was nearby Kasimbazar, a name that became almost synonymous with Bengali export piecegoods.