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UK imposes export bar on tapestry designed in ‘Indian manner’

The UK government has placed a temporary export bar on a rare 17th century tapestry designed by a British weaver in the “Indian manner” in an attempt to prevent it leaving Britain.

The tapestry, designed by Michael Mazarind and inspired by Indian, Chinese and Japanese design, is at risk of being exported from the UK unless a buyer can be found to match the asking price of 67,500 pounds.

“This intricate design provides us with a unique opportunity to explore the tapestry workshops of 1600s London. I hope we are able to keep it in the country so we can learn more about our nation’s textile industry, and of the decorative fashions of the time,” UK culture minister Matthew Hancock said in a statement on Thursday.

The tapestry includes small groups of oriental figures, buildings, exotic creatures and plants. This is the combination of elements that has been described as being put together “in the Indian manner”, and was one of the most popular decorative fashions of the period.

Under the export bar, any decision on an export licence application for the tapestry will be deferred until January 19, 2017. This may be extended until April 19, 2017 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made.

The decision to defer the export licence follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), administered by the UK s Arts Council. 
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