Welcome to The Art Blog
“The purpose of art is washing off the dust of daily life off our souls” – Pablo Picasso
Presenting my notes on the diverse folk arts of Asia and the stimulating cultural stories contained within them – Jaina Mishra
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Goatherding with Gutthu
Gutthu sat on my lap staring into my eyes. Was there love? Was there bonding? Was this unbroken stream of photons resulting in any emotional bonding from his side? Would … Continue reading
A Himalayan Monk’s Mask for Royal Rituals
The masked dances of Himalayan Buddhist monks are fascinating and since 2011, I’ve watched them on four different occasions in various monasteries (Kalimpong, Matho, Stok, Jokhang-Leh ). The Chamms … Continue reading
Himalayan Glimpses
View from the aircraft flying over the Himalayas. Awakens a thousand desires to go into each of those valleys on foot and knowing I shall never be able to do … Continue reading
Lion of Punjab – Sher-e-Punjab
Punjab – the land that has been facing invasions for centuries – values bravery and courage. And the lion offers an excellent metaphor for these values. Maharana Ranjit Singh was … Continue reading
All Creatures Great & Small
The writings of explorer-authors form a bridge between our urban world and the world of nomads and other rural communities who live by different life models. Reading about those … Continue reading
July News
Lots has happened in my world of textiles, art and culture recently Recent additions on wovensouls, talks that I wish I could attend, new functionalities launched in the gallery, important … Continue reading
The Life of an Old Thangka
Thangkas that were once in active use for worship hung in high places inside monasteries. They are exposed to butter-lamp vapors over decades.The inside of a monastery is filled with … Continue reading
A Sumba Queen’s Gift
The joy of the day is a Sumba Queen’s gift to her daughter And to all of us in the textile-art world. For here we are enjoying her creation from … Continue reading
Enjoying WOVENSOULS?
If you have been enjoying WOVENSOULS could you please take a moment to rate the effort on Trustpilot? here: https://www.trustpilot.com/evaluate/www.wovensouls.com It will be a huge help for my small gallery! … Continue reading
Rich Motifs Rich Palette
The well-balanced aesthetics of the motif, combined with the color combination they have been rendered in, further combined with the range they are seen in in any given Arkilla make … Continue reading
June News on WOVENSOULS
A very good month for wovensouls …. Many many beautiful acquisitions – most of which have currently been put into the personal collection but beauty is available for viewing on … Continue reading
A Lesson in Azerbaijan Flatweaves
A little lesson on Azerbaijan flatweaves offering a distinction between the Verneh, the Sileh, the Shadda and the Soumac.
The Camel Caravan is Ready to Move
The caravan is rising again. Awakening from its slumber – getting together its material resources and reigning in all the spiritual energies. Another journey ahead. What preparations remain before we … Continue reading
Old World Charm – Awadh Perfume Purse
Experiencing the romance of the old world of Awadh, India through a silver ornament no longer in use.
Games of Chance – Ganjifa
A note on the beauty of antique Mysore Ganjifa Cards
Welcoming Laxmi & Vishnu
Just look at the great detail in their textiles and ornaments! The goddess’s skirt – Sampot? And the male costume: And all the ornaments! In one of my … Continue reading
The Girl with the Dragon
Can you spot her? . . . . . Isn’t she lovely? See more of this gorgeous not-for-sale antique dragon sumac rug here on WOVENSOULS – asset 1379. *** jm … Continue reading
No Shoes Indoors
The origins of this gently-but-strictly enforced rule in all traditional Asian homes might be many. But I think the real reason is the art that is displayed on the floor…. … Continue reading
A Palace of Dreams
This forgotten photo taken years ago while looking a palace on the other and exhibited in “Journeys of the Soul” came alive today. Dreams & Memories …. the pillars of … Continue reading
A Note on Phulkari Classification
A compilation of my jottings on Phulkaris Textiles of Punjab
One Old Lady meets Another
The paint has worn out. And there are plenty of nicks on the woodwork, each telling an unforgetable tale. Layers of old paint shed – layers of fresh paint applied … Continue reading
An Auction to Watch – Maharajahs & Mughal Magnificence at Christie’s
Described as “Living History in your hands” the jewels of Indian monarchs are from a different world! A watch-only auction for me… I am curious to find out how much … Continue reading
Bronze Art for the Rug Lover
Bronze Art by Franz Bergman seen on the internet: Cute eh? Shall we conclude that he loved rugs as well? These are cold-painted bronzes which were first cast in the … Continue reading
The Art of Marble Jalis
Seen at the magnificent Mumbai Airport Museum. Cannot get enough of this airport! jm April 2019
Long Live the Spirit of Mumbai!
Pydhonie, Mumbai, April 16, 2019. It is in the midst of the wholesale markets for everything. It is in this area that Dhirubhai Ambani began as a yarn trader. Millions … Continue reading
Memories of Nagaland
The wealth of one’s life is the memories we collect – for only these can travel with us everywhere and be summoned at a moment’s notice to light up our … Continue reading
Art, Astrology & Zodiac Animals
Adapted from my talk on the subject Tibetan astrology borrows from Hindu constructs as well as Chinese constructs. Through artworks, let us explore the Chinese astrological model with its 12 … Continue reading
Hybrid Manuscript Paintings
A few weeks ago the surprise of hybrid paintings had already stung me when I saw a Hindu manuscript with illuminated paintings scripted in Gurmukhi. (Link to Gallery Store) My … Continue reading
Special Offers on Wovensouls.Com
In March, our newsletter subscribers received a special offer of 25% off on EVERYTHING priced less than US$1000 for a brief period of 3 days. An offer not-to-be-missed right? If … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Stars in her EYES
“Stars in her eyes” – A bridal scarf from the Yao group. The textile is not old but has been made by an old experienced hand! Frame it / hang … Continue reading
Antique Painted Wood Furnishings!
I was introduced to a whole new world of art – painted wood furnishings from Persia!
Tears in Heaven
We never love quite as much as at the time of saying goodbye…. I loved this piece – I loved the artist who lived a hundred years ago – I … Continue reading
Art Connoiseurs – Have you registered yet?
On WOVENSOULS.com – the little gallery of antique art, we welcome art lovers of tribal and ethnic Asian art to sign up here and be part of a select inner … Continue reading
Krishna’s Raas Lila in Silk Embroidery
Art Fix for the Day – Two Rumals with double-sided embroidery!
Art & Culture Conversations on a Cruiseship
Creating conversations on Asian Art & Culture onboard the ultra-Luxury Cruise Ship Silver Whisper as an in invited guest speaker through a series of 7 lectures over 17 days of … Continue reading
Textile Study Tour of Punjab
Preface on the minor notes about the textile study tour, Punjab, 2019
Sailing along the Mekong River Delta
On a hot summer’s day in a place called in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, we went out to see daily life and the floating markets. In a place connected … Continue reading
A Visit to The Golden Temple – Amritsar
One cannot go to Punjab and not go to the Golden Temple in Amritsar….A few photos
Learning History through Art – Sikh Rule in Kashmir
Exploring an example of Sikh influence in Kashmir through illuminated paintings in the Kashmir school from a Bhagavat Gita manuscript written in Sikhi Gurmukhi script
The Olden Days – Punjab
Can you feel the peace in this village? It is almost as if time had stopped still here: That era always attracts me and makes me wistful …the helplessness of … Continue reading
Glimpses of Punjab
A few photos that offer a little cultural flavour of the style Punjab. It was a delight to witness the preservation of ethnic identity in-spite of the tsunami of bland … Continue reading
Conversations – The Soul of Punjab
A few photos of the grand old women and men who were young at the time of the “hallaa” … the Partition.
Over deep conversations about phulkaris, over chai & pakodas followed by parathas & butter, we bonded – discussing the culture of their youth, of their childhood homes and the culture of the time.
A Textile Lover’s Dream
7am As I struggled to walk barefoot at 15 degrees Centigrade on even colder marble floors – suddenly I see this vision: An unopened pile of textiles …who knows what … Continue reading
The Story of a Skirt from Punjab
This is a little story about the background of a Punjabi textile that is a few metres long. It is about the culture of Punjab from a century ago. It … Continue reading
Architecture of Amritsar
What have these bricks seen? Set in the city of Amritsar, these buildings have seen strife and tragedy like few others have. The Jalianwala Baug massacre, the Partition, Operation Blue … Continue reading
Divine Caring
A street photo taken just outside the Golden Temple Complex, Amritsar 7am, Early February, Temperature 14 degrees Celsius No words needed.
A Phulkari Fan from the Olden Days
Here’s another cultural remnant of the olden days in Punjab – A ceiling fan decorated with Phulkari work: The rope is used to swing the fan and is held by … Continue reading
A Charkha Spinning Wheel
Sighting of a decorated Charkha Spinning Wheel – used in a vanishing craft
Wearing her mother’s Bridal Haalvan Phulkari
A “haalvan” phulkari is done on very fine cotton cloth that is similar to mul mul. This is the first time I held one in my hand! All bridal textiles … Continue reading
The Olden Days – Right Here Right Now
Different places in the world are living in different time zones. And so even though it is not yet possible to do time travel, it is possible to revisit my … Continue reading
Boats of Eastern India, 1800s – Company School Paintings
Seen on an auction site, these paintings give us a glimpse of the lifestyle of those times. To pursue the characters that lived these lives, watch the Netflix original series … Continue reading
2019 – New Year Inspirations
And so another fresh beginning … one more chance to rejuvenate one’s mind…. Because we simply cannot allow ourselves to stagnate. If we are lucky the seeds of refreshing ideas … Continue reading
Bless the Kohistani Creator!
“Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin Mehke to nazar aa jaaye kahin” Only the brilliant A. R. Rahman’s lyrics are appropriate for this outstanding masterpiece from Kohistan. “A flower may try to … Continue reading
Gateways of Bali
Just a few photos of the amazing art that is just everywhere in Bali. The artsy environment goes a long way in making this a spiritual haven. ❤️ jm Dec … Continue reading
Worth a Look: Coffin Art from Ghana
The concept of coffin art is intriguing isn’t it? See more in the Exhibition: Ghanaian Fantasy Coffins For a riveting slideshow online see the website of photographer Regula Tschumi here. … Continue reading
The Magic Carpet :)
Borrowed from the internet to spread the smiles 🙂
Opium Culture – History in Art
There is too much that I do not know anything about and the role that opium played in the history of China is one of them. Were it not for … Continue reading
Boundless Creativity in Motifs
Superb embroidered motifs from the North West Frontier Province region photographed from faded fragments of dress-fronts! Enjoy the feast: What thought-paths created these very aesthetically pleasing unique motifs that have … Continue reading
Rare Swat Wedding Shawl with ‘Self’ Embroidery
Just when I’d thought I’d seen the complete range of the niche textile art from Swat Valley, along comes a piece that challenges that belief and nudges me out of my smug stupor. – Exploring a Rare Swat Valley Artwork
Just another day in India
And while real rural India wears gorgeous clothes as daily wear, in urban India I am wearing blue jeans… Sigh! jm December 2018
Confused About Classification! Silver or Silk?
In awe of an antique Benarasi Sari with real silver sari!
The Goldsmith’s Craft
In another life that I lived within this life I had a little venture called IQ Club. Had a lot of fun creating a brain-games-based workshop for kids. The parents … Continue reading
There’s an Elephant on my Sofa!
And a horse!!! 😊 Beginning the day with a smile and a reminder of the beauty our hands can create! See more of Asset 1143 on wovensouls.com
Chinese Paintings on Ailments
The last thing I expected to find in a medical centre is art that might arrest my attention. But here I am between tasks finding myself searching for the wall … Continue reading
Morning Coffee
Morning Coffee with soft morning sunlight lighting up a cicim from Anatolia, Tantric ritual objects from Nepal, an Indonesian couple in Batik and a Khmer-style bronze! ❤️ Do drop by … Continue reading
Veneration of Human Spirit – Jain Painting
Heroic act spellbind us. And spur us on to do more, to push ourselves a little bit more and to give life the very best of ourselves. In Bombay, there … Continue reading
A Gift from Grandma
Just launched a NEWS! page on WOVENSOULS.COM
The mini-magazine has 5-6 interesting sections …
Come Celebrate Diwali!
Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals of India falls on Nov 7th this year. On this night, the darkest in the lunisolar calendar, Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth … Continue reading
Inspiration from the Extraordinary
When I was younger, life was too busy. We all just rode that super fast rollercoaster of life doing everything that must be done and must be done well – … Continue reading
Service or Sacrilege? The Dilemma of Textile Art Fragments
Have you seen these? Amazing creativity isn’t it?!! ❤️ The ones that I have are in good but not in perfect condition – usage, withering natural life of the fibre … Continue reading
Fine Embroidery on Indigo from the Yao Hilltribes
Collected from the source a decade ago, these lovely vintage embroidered indigo costumes of the Yao people are currently on offer as a single lot at a discounted launch price … Continue reading
Wearing Art – Bhil Tribal Earrings
Travel results in exposure. Exposure to the lifestyles of others. And to the Art within that lifestyle. Exposure results in desires. Desires result in quests. Quests can be classified loosely into 3 … Continue reading
Artwork of the Day
A Peacock takes a little ram for a walk! What an endearing example of folk creativity! Seen in this most-beloved AntiqueQashqai Shekarlu rug that I cannot get enough of! More … Continue reading
Sleeping Under The Stars
My evening on the terrace has often turned into night. Alone with the stars and the sound of the sea and the darkness, I have found myself lying on the … Continue reading
Washing Shawls in 1867
An antique Indian miniature painting from the Kyburg exhibition catalog (1988) depicts the washing of shawls The 1867 painting is possibly from Lahore, Such a treat to get a glimpse … Continue reading
Why are We Buying Art
The reasons one buys art are many. The few that I could think of right away, sitting here in my armchair are presented below in ascending order of engagement levels: … Continue reading
Waiting…. The Antique Shekarlu Qashqai Rug
For years I’ve eyed Shekarlu rugs. Their identity is highly evolved and very striking! Very rustic in character the rugs are filled with an extravagant number of minor motif elements … Continue reading
Book Recommendation
A good place to start! Jaina Mishra Singapore
The Susegad Dogs of Goa
Susegad is an attitude Goa is known for. There is no exact translation – but it loosely means relaxed or carefree or don’t-worry-about-it or lazing or just-chill …. This attitude … Continue reading
Of Spaceships & Men
Imagination is always better than reality. So am indulging my imagination as I rediscover this sweet Kazak rug: According to my imagination, we have here two men. Is that an … Continue reading
Krishna Janmashtami
Celebrating the birth of Krishna in the small village of Brittona in Goa with a dahi handi! The earthenware pot filled with dahi and home made butter is suspended between … Continue reading
The Retirees
Living the high life! The accessories and the blissful expressions say it all! Acquired in a flea market in Singapore twnty years ago and now sits prominently on a camphor … Continue reading
An Eventful Walk – Goa
An evening in Goa – I went out to buy some dahi and stopped at the beach expecting to take a normal short uneventful walk. * There were fishermen and … Continue reading
Art of Tunisia
The more I know, the more I realise how ignorant I am. Someone famous said something like that in a much more cogent way. Completely true for me. In the … Continue reading
Art Fix: A Green to Envy
Isn’t that aged and saturated natural green reason enough to treasure that weaving forever? ❤️❤️❤️ *** Jaina Mishra Singapore
A Place of Darkness – A place of Light
Come with me to this place – so dark that I stumbled a bit as my eyes took a few minutes to adjust. Seeking nothing, I went there during a … Continue reading
Raincoats of the Fortunate – Bhutan Textiles
Destinies differ between individuals. And between people groups. In the plate of destiny granted to me, raincoats were made of plastic. In the plate of the fortunate, raincoats were works … Continue reading
Rare Antique Company School Mica Paintings
In the early-mid 1800s Mica paintings were produced as souvenirs in Murshidabad, Patna and Benares in eastern India and Trichinopoly in South India. They imitated paintings on glass. Mica, a transparent … Continue reading
Astitva Project – August Update
For those who have provided encouragement and support and are following the story – here are some photos that just came in today. The loom is being constructed by the … Continue reading
External Article – Ramayan of Rani Laxmi of Jhansi
An article about art, culture and history! The monumental work sold for just over GBP200000! https://www.christies.com/features/5-mins-with-Ramayana-9234-1.aspx The sum probably does not reflect the historical value! jm
A Man and His Dowry
In many parts of North Africa, at the time of the proposal the families discuss the dowry the man is willing to pay to get his bride. The dowry is … Continue reading
Butterflies of Indonesia
And just when I thought I was done with the lessons in the Fauna of lovely Indonesia, along comes another Batik that showcases the butterflies of the islands: And the … Continue reading
Come Celebrate My Birthday on WOVENSOULS
It’s my birthday in August and it is the time of year when I take stock of my life. * I review the events of the last 12 months … Continue reading
Beauty of The Checkerboard
Checkerboards are simple forms. Not much creativity needed to create these basic geometric forms. It could even be said that checkerboard motifs are born during one’s lazier creative moments. But … Continue reading
Birds of Indonesia
So someone said ‘why only talk talk about art always’ …. So let’s change the track a bit for today and talk about birds! I spent an hour this afternoon … Continue reading
Made in 3 Places – Batik Tiga Negeri
In the world of modern mass production – the only world young people in their twenties (in my world) know – the concept of getting clothes made does not exist. … Continue reading
Vanished
When things vanish it feels bad. When cultures vanish it feels worse. Here is a Yao Shaman’s manuscript that came to me about 2 years ago. About 4 months ago, … Continue reading
A Batik Selfie!!
Seen on the internet – A Batik artwork of a woman creating a batik artwork. 🙂 🙂 🙂 July 2018
External Article: Italy’s last Sea Silk Master (on BBC)
Byssus, or sea silk, is one of the rarest and most coveted materials in the world – and this is the last person on Earth who still knows how to … Continue reading
The Astitva Project – Phase III
Just as life happens just one step at a time, it seems to me that in the same way wisdom reveals itself one step at a time. It would … Continue reading
Connections
Cliff overlooking the fork on the Shyok River Valley. On the way to Yarma village that lay beyond the last mountain in the valley on the right. Sometimes there is … Continue reading
Fierce Deities!
A character that is not pleasant or all goody-goody has an appeal that is perhaps stronger! The glimpse of something fiesty, something temperamental, something strong with overtones of bold confidence … Continue reading
Along came a Ganjifa Set…
And took my sleep away! Why are these little artworks so attractive? Or elusive? A complete set consisting of 120 cards is very very rare! The odd card is seen … Continue reading
Before the Blue Jeans came along…
My world seemed mighty impressed with the concept of ‘blue jeans’ when they came along in the 1970s. Everyone had to have a pair. But before that, much much before … Continue reading
The Astitva Project – Phase II Launch
Read about the Introduction & Conception here. *** May 2018 There are only TWO men, in the entire ethnic group who know how to make the woven cummerbund worn by … Continue reading
The Rare Art of Double Sided Shia Embroidery
It is said that this art is no longer practiced. I am told they come from the Swat valley neighborhood and since there are not enough such textiles these are … Continue reading
Artwork of the Day
Amazing Ethnic Art worn by a very small minority group in Guizhou China. Asset 228 on WOVENSOULS.COM Enjoy the Visual Feast!
Just Added – Fabulous African Textile Gallery
On WOVENSOULS.COM, the antique textiles gallery, I’ve just added several gorgeous textiles from various people groups in Africa. This is a region I’d consciously avoided collecting from in the past … Continue reading
Catching Butterflies in Burslem
As a collector one is supposed to have focus and collect a particular category of objects. But as the child (that none of us completely outgrow) (i hope) I enjoyed … Continue reading
The Grace of a Burmese Fan
Could it be said that Art reflects the character of the people? This is most certainly true in the case of Burmese Art! The immense grace in the flowing lines … Continue reading
Collections!
On this cloudy rainy morning my morning-tea companion on tbe terrace is Alexander. And other great minds. And lest I as a collector get carried away and think of myself … Continue reading
Wealth of Ladakh
Photos of photo prints of women wearing traditional jewelry at festivals. The magnificentv Petak headdress has been discussed earlier. But the others have not received enough attention! Here are sone … Continue reading
Breathtaking Monastery Art
First, the altitude in the Himalayas makes me breathless and then the paintings in the monasteries take my breath away! Each monastery has so much to offer the vision that … Continue reading
Painting Seen on a Wall in Nomadic Chanthang
Contemporary Art is one area that Dies not appeal to me. But this painting seen on a wall spike to me enough to want to cluck it and shate ut … Continue reading
Wearing Art – Antique Himalayan Ceremonial Silver Belt
When everything the eye sees is artistic and pleasing, where art is an intrinsic part of every object, there must be undercurrents of joy constantly hitting the people… Maybe THAT … Continue reading
A New Mystery -Ancient Terracotta Blocks
Seen in one of the important trading hubs of the old Silk Route – and retrieved with difficulty from the back of a dealer’s dusty shelf, lying in a plastic … Continue reading
Legacy of a Past Life
This post is not about art or culture… Once upon a time I had a little venture called IQ Club. The idea came from working with my own kids and … Continue reading
Nomadic Weavings of Chanthang
Seen in the Himalayas in the Chanthang desert in Eastern Ladakh. Their living spaces Let’s gp in … To see their home & their weavings (videa to follow later) Volunteers: … Continue reading
Mountain Art – Large Ancient Himalayan Buddhas – 4
The Yarma Gombo A set of natural rock formations revered and venerated by Buddhists as the appearance resembles the face of Buddha and other dieties. I would not have known … Continue reading
Mountain Art – Large Ancient Himalayan Buddhas – 3
Seen just outside Mulbeg – An engraving on a mountain face that may have been the starting point of a sculpture. May 2018
An Extraordinary Feat
So at the top of Khardungla pass in a small cafe I saw this other solo traveller. Since two of us were the only ones there I asked about his … Continue reading
Mountain Art – Large Ancient Himalayan Buddhas – 2
The Mulbeg Chamba Mulbeg is a small Buddhist village in Kargil that I’d first heard of while studying Perak headdress types. Never thought U’d visit it someday to see the … Continue reading
Mountain Art – Large Ancient Himalayan Buddhas – 1
Huge Ancient Buddhist Sculptures in the Himalayas
Museums or Online?
I was writing a little description for one of my beloved pieces – doting on various aspects, discovering new elements that I had not noticed before and in general giving … Continue reading
Ancient Cave Paintings in Sasphol
13th Century Sasphol Caves, Ladakh Went up a mountain to see the magnificent Buddhist cave paintings. Worth every huff and puff. The big achievement was the small journey out of … Continue reading
A Visit to Phyang Monastery
Sat still within the ancient halls with only a young monk in attendance. Time passed unmarked by minutes and seconds. What do these matter when the walls have seen centuries! … Continue reading
Himalayan Peaks – Journeys of the Soul
A few photos of some Himalayan Peaks taken over many journeys over the years. These spots evoke in me a great longing for journeys that I will never undertake …. … Continue reading
Art from the Past: 17th Century Tibetan Paintings
Deities and Deomons with Tantric phurbas and dorjeys! Under study
Walking on Water – The Zanskar Chadar
Come winter and the roads in the Himalayas are closed. But, as a way of compensation, the rivers freeze and create a path for those who must travel. Many villages … Continue reading
A Traditional Hearth
Serving up food for the tummy as well aa the soul! It is the place where the whole family congregates over aclong breakfast of “khambheer” – hot thick rotis made … Continue reading
Ganjifa Playing Cards – Art of Sawantwadi
I remember spending all my summers playing various games all day long! We were about 12-15 boys and girls of various ages living in a neighbourhood of 5 buildings and … Continue reading
The one thing I’d like to abolish… Goodbyes
The one thing I’s like to abolish is the “Good-bye” or its milder form – “Farewell”. Friends leaving for other cities where their jobs take them and children leaving for … Continue reading
The Sawantwadi Palace
A walk around the charming old Palace building of Sawantwadi, in South Maharashtra just a few km from Goa. The overall building layout and the minor accents are native to … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix: Kilim ON the Sofa!
Looking good? Antique Sarkoy kilim now adding color to the sofa! Jm April 2018
There’s No Limit to Creativity – Jewelry from Assam
Sharing the beautiful gemstone-studded traditional jewelry of Assam
Inspirational People from the Himalayas
When people push themselves beyond the limits of normal human capability, it is always admirable. A few years ago I’d read about the kora or parikrama that Tibetans performed as … Continue reading
Artwork of the Day: Mirrors of Identity
A pair of Chaakla Decorative Textiles from Gujarat with rare golden mirrors Asset 152 on WOVENSOULS.COM
Manila Manton Shawls – Early Global Textiles
Presenting a small online exhibition of palimpsest textiles – with layers of art, craft and culture contained within: The Canton Shawl aka Manila Manton aka Fringed Flapper Shawl
‘The Fringed Shawl’ – Exhibition at Berkeley
Exhibition at Berkeley, California
Wealth of Motifs – Fulani Art!
What if we measured the wealth of nations by the number of indigenous motifs it has? Or the cultural history within those? Would we be fighting the same wars? Here … Continue reading
A Weaver’s Heirloom Patan Patola Sari
Rediscovering a piece from the weaver’s heirlooms – a bridal sari with fabulous double ikat hand woven raw silk!
The Astitva Project – Phase II
Soon we will begin the next phase of the micro project. We will work with the same ethnic group that we did last time but this time it will be … Continue reading
Nomads in the Himalayas
Found these photos taken in March 2016 in my folders – waiting silently for my attention. A sighting of a nomadic settlement – a split second decision to stop … Continue reading
Responsibility of Caring for an Antique Yuncu Kilim
An endearing note from the dealer who sold me this …
Daily Art Fix – Painting of a Weaver – 1800s
Some art to refresh the soul!
Daily Art Fix – Beshir Rug with Ikat Motif
A simple little work of textile art getting its time in the morning sun! This little piece was most probably woven by Beshir nomads in Turkmenistan. With a good exchange … Continue reading
How did Elibelinde travel to the Swat Valley?
One more example of migration of cultural memes that might hold a clue to historical events
My Ceremonial Textiles
In India we have so many life ceremonies! Every Hindu goes through or is supposed to go through 16 important ones and dozens of lesser ones. So one attends one’s … Continue reading
Material Pleasures
When I was young I desired a million things but had no money to buy them with. Now when I am old, I have more money but very few things … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Applique Art from Bharaich
View a Khanduri cloth from Bharaich from the Met
Daily Art Fix: Men with an extra Arm?
Or is it a stick? Maybe they are the sons of the weaver! Interesting motif on an antique Kazak rug.
Sentinels & Thresholds
The threshold is a very important line in a traditional Indian home. It is washed and decorated beautifully every day with auspicious symbols drawn in powder by the woman of … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Antique Kalamkari Art
A fabulous 17th C Kalamkari Artwork!
Patan Patola Ikat Weaving – HOW?
For those who wondered how! A video interview with a masterweaver Kanaiyalalbhai who explains the process step by step. To understand the technique of weaving Patan Patola double ikats and … Continue reading
Ivory Art for Royal Courts
All carvings are from the Victoria & Albert Museum, London Feb 2018 jaina mishra | wovensouls
An Indian Painted Narrative Scroll
Supposedly this is an old Bengal painted narrative scroll called Patta. Does this have the same rustic character as that of other Bengal Pattuas? Doesn’t the finesse of each element … Continue reading
Travel Plans
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving (Lao Tzu) I long to evolve to this level of life! Maybe I will plan my next … Continue reading
Goa Carnaval 2018
Something to do over the weekend in case you are in Goa! Delighted to find local culture in the themes of the floats! Delighted to find people of all ages … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Ramayan in the Chamba Valley
Amazing 18th century Chamba Rumaal with scenes from the Ramayan https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/72821 Sita’s Fire Test Killing Ravan – A rare depiction with the severed heads and arms Am completed WOWed … Continue reading
The Jehangir Spinel
Owned and bequeathed by Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb this amazing Spinel is now in the Victoria & Albert museum in London. Surprisingly it has been described by the V&A … Continue reading
Tipu Sultan’s Tiger
What an interesting artwork commissioned by Tipu Sultan! Seen at the V&A museum, London
Daily Art Fix – Saris as Textile Art!
Seen at the Victoria & Albert museum jaina mishra Feb 2018
Daily Art Fix – from Gujarat again!
Late 14th–early 15th century printed textile – Gujarat! Met Museum https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/72747 Celebrate Gujarat!! Feb 2018 jaina mishra| wovensouls View more exquisite antique textiles and more on
Painted Map of Benaras – Indian Art
A pilgrim’s map of Benaras with the Kashi Vishwanath temple at the centre. Seen in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London Feb 2018 jaina mishra| wovensouls View more Exquisite Antique … Continue reading
An English Test – A Traveller’s Tales
A decade or more ago, we were traveling on a train in India – from Mumbai to Bhopal. My children were less than 12 years old and we all enjoyed … Continue reading
Silken flowers from Gujarat India
One more fabulous piece from Gujarat! At first I thought it was a print … until I read the explanatory note! ❤️ This textile is from the V & A … Continue reading
Soldiers in Silk – Guns & Roses
This mesmerising silk Amli embroidery on a square pashmina shawl is from the 1800s and depicts soldiers circling around a thriving establishment. Note the deliberately highlighted flowers (roses?) amidst the … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – An Antique Robe with Amli Embroidery
Works such as these remind us of the value added simply by the skill of an artist! The wool and the silk and the scissors could have made a robe … Continue reading
Art in Gold for a Goan Wedding
I cannot imagine how it is that the Goan found the time between cultivating their unbelievable rice, cooking and eating their amazing curries and enjoying the subsequent coma-like siestas that … Continue reading
Goan Portugese Houses – Art in Architecture
Classic Goan Portugese Houses are found all over Goan villages. Some are in great condition, others dilapidated. Viewed collectively, they represent an art style that belongs to the late 1800s … Continue reading
Fabulous Beetle Wing Embroidery! ❤️
Absolutely mesmerising embroidery using iridescent beetle wings! No words needed! From the V & A museum, London *** jaina mishra | wovensouls View more Exquisite Antique Textiles and more … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Textile Art of Gujarat – AGAIN!
I might be accused of bias as Gujarat is my home state – but since I am not the only one to be smitten by Gujarat I might be absolved … Continue reading
The Weight of Commitment
The weight of this token of commitment is about 100grams. Of Gold. !!! In case you are underwhelmed … here is a similar piece displayed in the V & A … Continue reading
A Tent Hanging from India
The series on the V & A textiles continues with the printed tent hanging! Makes me think that I should pay some more attention to prints … From the … Continue reading
The Wine Cup of Emperor Shah Jahan
Emperor Shah Jahan’s wine cup: Am still confused about the way it is to be used as a cup for drinking … It is probably cups like these that inspired … Continue reading
The Irony of my tiny Astrological Thangka Collection
It is ironical and even absurd that my journey in collecting Tibetan material began from being impressed by their ideology of renunciation of material wealth! The life seen in Tibet … Continue reading
A Kalamkari Coverlet – Antique Indian Textiles
A visit to any museum can be exhausting and the maximum I can handle is about 1 – 2 hours of exposure. In any given hall there are always too … Continue reading
Crowning Glory of a Turban with Double Sided Embroidery
The absolutely mind-boggling craft of double sided embroidery on a turban! Maybe this will be one step forward in eradicating the gender bias… in a century or so maybe all … Continue reading
Creating Art Every Day
Isn’t it terrific that in our way of life, the act of creating art is one of the basic household activities that every single woman indulges in? Art is too … Continue reading
The Bridal Sari of the erstwhile Queen of Sawantwadi 1922
I’ve seen a dozen or so amazing antique zari saris but none has been as unusual as this one seen in the museum of Sawantwadi, This shalu – a zari … Continue reading
Bullock Carts & Oil Mills in Applique!
An endearing naive 2-dimensional rendering of bullock cart & a bullock-run oil press or oil mill! And the featute that makes me wonder about the Banjara connection is the white … Continue reading
On My Coffee Table
The advantage of my nomadic life is that I forget tbe pieces strewn around the other spaces that I dwell in (and that dwell inside me….). and so I see … Continue reading
Connecting the Dots of Gold
In the past, gold jewelry with motifs created by arranging tiny granules of gold was popular in some parts of India. Ancient Greeks used the granulation process too but the … Continue reading
Museum of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings
In Trivandrum in the old city area one of the buildings in the museum complex houses several paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. Photography is not allowed inside so for my … Continue reading
My kind of Palace
After a long time I have been able to afford the time to take a little solo trip. And here I am in a charming palace sipping green tea! in … Continue reading
Blessing Containers in Silver
How many people have others praying for them? Am certain that I have fewer today than I had 50 years ago. And so as these blessings become rarer, I value … Continue reading
A Thousand Flowers
The memory of a great experience becomes a seed in our mind Lying dormant until we water it with attention. If we just close our eyes and shut out the … Continue reading
Art Revived
Some vanishing arts have been strengthened and resurrected by external change agents. Soof Embroidery of Gujarat is one such art that had the blessing of nurturing by people who devote … Continue reading
Mother & Child – A Crime Scene in Silk
Clearly this is a part of a larger legend that I am not familiar with yet. And so the cultural crime story intrigues me as much as the art and … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix: 3-D Painting
Am not a formal student of art so I do not know the word for this type of work … but surely there must be a name for an … Continue reading
Wovensouls at The Arts House, Singapore
For those who couldn’t make it an event report in pictures: Spending the day amidst these gifts from the past make me forget the concept of time How is it … Continue reading
Article in “Passage” Magazine
For a tiny red dot, the large number of museums in Singapore comes as a surprise! Link To support museum enthusiasts there is a body the “Friends of the Museums” … Continue reading
Walking the Dog
And the bird in the cage. Scene in a double sided embroidery from the early 1900s. But could well have been a snapshot from modern day Singapore! More photos of … Continue reading
The Art of War – Motifs in an Embroidery
Surely Sun Zhu meant THIS arr? More photos coming soon on WOVENSOULS.com
Preview – Wovensouls @ The Arts House
WOVENSOULS HEIRLOOMS @ The Arts House, Nov 24th RSVP appreciated http://bit.ly/2y7gWNd Wealth was once measured by objects that were rich in ‘soul’ i.e. the soul of the individual, the soul … Continue reading
Encore! Wovensouls Sale at The Arts House
After the successful September Exhibition at The Arts House, we received numerous requests for an encore! So this November, we will be offering some of our beloved antique works … Continue reading
Art of Africa
Of course Africa is too large to be clubbed into one art group … But that made a nice title … The Art of the Yoruba caught my eye recently. … Continue reading
Phulkari Auction
21 Phulkaris to be auctioned globally on November 24th, 2017. VISIT THE AUCTION WEBSITE here Oct 2017 antique art, antique embroidery, antique Indian, antique Indian textiles, ANTIQUE SHAWL, … Continue reading
What lies within? Copper Manuscript
Found in Odisha, it is said to be a Buddhist Mahayana mansucript in Pali script hand-handhammered into copper plates. Imagine the trouble that went into creating this …. Similar examples … Continue reading
Negative Spaces
“Negative space, in art, is the space around and between the subject(s) of an image. Negative space may be most evident when the space around a subject, not the subject … Continue reading
Custodians of Antique Art
“We are only the ‘temporary’ custodians of these antique artworks that lived before us and will live on much after we are gone.” A nice quote to remind myself of … Continue reading
Women in Art – Literally
A series of textiles with women depicted in the art! 🙂 And more The ones above are from old textiles. Here’s one from a recently made banarasi brocade … Continue reading
Dilemma
In principle, if all else – character, beauty, etc – is the same what would YOU prefer? OPTION A: A piece from the mid 1900s that is in good condition … Continue reading
Hidden Gems – new sightings in old acquisitions!
In an embroidery rich in texture and motifs and age, it was easy to miss the 5th color used sparingly – it hid within the flowers – almost shy of … Continue reading
Random Thoughts: A New Metric of Success
The success of scientific research paper is measured in the number of times it is quoted by other subsequeny published research papers. In the same way, the success or wealth … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix -Sindh Dowry Embroidery
Bless the woman who made this!! A great way to start my day …. with a dose of beauty – gives the heart a small positive kickstart! Sept 2017
Saving Beauty
We all need something to love, something to serve, and something to save… A piece came my way that is needs some tender loving care. Besides the fact that it … Continue reading
Tales the Phra Malai Thai Manuscripts tell!
It will be years before I will be able to understand all the stories contained in the few Phra Malai manuscripts that I’ve seen! Some are stories from the life … Continue reading
Who doesn’t enjoy Music in the Park!
MUSIC IN THE PARK – Notes in Silk!!! Just received this beauty made in Canton a century ago! Am yet to count the number of instruments being played in this … Continue reading
“Heirlooms” – Exhibition Report
A fabulous exhibition – great reviews from the guests, stimulating conversations, free flow of adulation for the artworks and brisk movement of unforgettable pieces to new homes! If you were … Continue reading
Courtship in Silk
Daily Art Fix – motif on an amazing wearable antique cantonese shawl! ❤️
More Strength to the Camel’s Back!
Here’s a beauty that will strengthen the proverbial camel’s back …. With something so gorgeous to call his own, no last straw will ever have the strength to break his … Continue reading
Heirlooms – Strength of Identity
Identity, like character, takes years to develop. The ideas that we surround ourselves with – from the larger philosophy of life to the little material beauties that we surround ourselves … Continue reading
Science & Art in the Tibetan Astrological Calendar Sidpaho
Predicting the future and fortunes of an individual based on the movement of the planets across the reference matrix of the constellations, presupposes knowledge of astronomy. With very few instruments … Continue reading
Invitation: ‘Heirlooms’ Exhibition & Sale – Singapore
Can you feel the love that went into making these antique CRADLE CLOTHS? Come visit “Heirlooms” to experience the difference that love & passion make in the creation of … Continue reading
A Gift for the Emperor!
A gift for the Emperor ….depicted in silk in the late 1800s. So delicious …. Feasting on the art is so soul satisfying! sigh!
Beaded Textiles from Rajasthan?!!
Just noticed the fabulous beadwork on a shawl from Rajasthan that I’ve had for awhile. Endless delights in old acquisitions… All from the WOVENSOULS collection! ❤️
Invitation: “Heirlooms” Exhibition & Sale
Come enjoy the Visual Feast And acquire an heirloom or two Every few years, the treasure chests of the WOVENSOULS collection, filled with heirloom shawls, ancestral tribal jewelry and rare … Continue reading
Textile Pride
Here’s what you get when a country is proud of its textile culture: Very impressive PDA (Public Display of Affection)! Aug 2017 All photos from the internet
Treasure Hunting
Excerpts from an article seen on the internet*: Forrest Fenn, an art dealer and a former Air Force fighter pilot, announced in a self-published 2010 memoir, “The Thrill of the … Continue reading
Online Exhibition – Tampan Ship Cloths from Sumatra
Introduction The magnetic appeal of Textile Arts, to me, is directly proportional to – the art – the craft – the symbolism – the cultural story and – the usage … Continue reading
That Place
That unforgettable place … I cannot seem to get it out of my mind. It had no name. There is no village to note the location. I had no compass … Continue reading
Tattoos with Soul
Once upon a boat ride in Phi Phi, I stumbled into the world of real Tai tattoos … full of inscriptions and magical figures. THIS is the tattoo art that … Continue reading
You don’t have to be a Museum…
…to hold & behold art from the past! Seen in a casual corner in the lobby of Regency Hotel, Singapore.
Architectural Art to take home – Prints
Too often I want to take home the architecture or stone carvings or the fabulous mammoth statues! That is simply not possible for many many reasons. But we can take … Continue reading
Rickshaw or Car?
The wonders never cease in the world of textile art! Am off on a new armchair exploration! And will happily drag along anyone who will listen (or read) through the … Continue reading
Guess Who – Evil or Good?
Guess who is featured in this Lithograph from the Raja Ravi Varma Press? At first I thought this is Ravana – the king who was so intelligent that the artists … Continue reading
Happy Sunday from a Majampahit Prince & Princess
This beautiful Majampahit Prince & his Princess wish us all a royal Sunday – May we all have a wealthy Sunday with our hearts full and our minds free! And … Continue reading
The Romance of a Dowry or Trousseau
In primary school one school teacher talked of the ‘bottom drawer’ in which a girl puts in all the things she wants to take with her to her second home. … Continue reading
How to Romance A Prince … A visual guide
‘How to romance a Prince’ – A visual guide for novices … May be tried with princes both before and after tbey metamorphose from the frog stage. just kidding 😊 … Continue reading
Yao Legends through Rare Folk Art Paintings
Presenting 4 paintings from the Yao group of Vietnam. Yao paintings are always full of character and layers of stories embedded within. But these 4 paintings have two characteristics that … Continue reading
From One Nomad to Another
These lovely motifs from a nomadic tent band now decorate my life And they say material things cannot make one happy!?! Am finding that a great way to start the … Continue reading
Jai Ho Lord Jagannath
A Puri Jatri Patti artwork to celebrate the Lord Jagannath Yatra festival that is happenninf now in Puri, Odisha Jai Ho! June 2017
An Antique Selfie
Embroidered picture of a woman doing embroidery!! And the millenials thought they were the ones to invent selfies!! From an early 1900s shawl. More about that later… 😊
Life in the Years / Years in the Life
“It’s not the years in the life that matter – it is the life in the years that count”
A New Museum to explore
One more window to the history of art & culture. One more state museums – and from my experience, state museums in India are absolutely fantastic!! They go into the … Continue reading
I must do more…
Strange how winning an auction of a intensely desired item can make one think! This is the little story of my 4am soul searching..
Weekend Quote: And how …
“And how will you go about finding that thing the nature of which is totally unknown to you/” – Meno
Kammavaca Art – Buddhist Manuscripts from Myanmar
Exploring the art in Ancient Buddhist manuscripts
Running Out of Sand – Random Musings
The sands of time are not unlimited …. and each walks a finite journey. Some moments we stop in the journey to catch our breath and reflect And that is … Continue reading
Art with Cloves! Available for Sale
Unbelievable creativity! Who would imagine that cloves can be used to create art!
Weekend Musings – We shall never know ..
Exploring a whole new culture and its history, its evolution and the reasons that make it what it is today … is like taking a journey with imperfect lenses not … Continue reading
Why do I collect old things?
Why do we collect antiques? Why do I collect antiques? It could be to get as close as possible to the past. It is the only way to capture the … Continue reading
Houses & Homes
“The house is the stage set for the drama we hope our lives will be….
Art – A Bridge to the Past – Reading a Janam Patri from Raja Bhom’s era
Exploring an old scroll from Rajasthan from the time of Raja Bhom
Antique Silver Bullet Case – Available for Sale
Available for Sale: 394 Antique Tibetan Khampa Nomad’s Bullet Case
Daily Art Fix – Antique Burma Manuscript
Exploring an antique Buddhist manuscript from Burma, dated 1874
The Bonona Festival of the Himalayan Aryans
October 2016 A trip to the interiors of the Himalayan ranges. A journey that would have taken 6 days by animal carriers 40 years ago but today takes 7 hours. … Continue reading
Back into the Home & Hearth of the Himalayan Aryan People
October 2016 The kitchen is a very intimate space. It is where many facets of my habits, my work style, my skills, my character, my thinking are revealed. And so, … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 8 – Tibetan Calendar
The Tibetan calendar begins at Losar and has either 12 or 13 months each beginning and ending with the new moon. Every two or three years a 13th month is … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 7 – Mongolian Charts
Mongolian Buddhism is heavily influenced by the Tibetan form that combines Vajrayana Buddhism with Tantric concepts. But Mongolian Buddhism had a unique identity too. Introduced during the period of the … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 6 – Batak Calendar
The Batak Calendar system has 12 months and follows the phases of the moon and the sighting of the constellations. Some basic facts the month is divided into 3 groups … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 5 – Thai Calendar
In Thailand, as in most of Asia, the lunar calendar contains twelve or thirteen months in a year, with 15 waxing moon and 14 or 15 waning moon days in … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 4 – Myanmar Mandala Spirit Cloths
Mandala Spirit Cloths from Myanmar were commissioned by families of means and created by learned men and monks. They are believed to have healing / protective powers and the power … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 3 – Astrological Birth Charts
Part 3 in the series of notes on Astrological Calendars A janampatri or kundali is a Birth Chart prepared as per Vedic Astrology. It is a particular system of prediction … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 2 – Palelitangan Calendars of Bali
Part 2 on the series of notes on Astrological Calendars The Balinese calendar integrates the Indian-derived lunar (saka) calendar with an indigenous system of weekly cycles (wuku) which constitute a … Continue reading
Astrological Calendars – 1 – Palindon Calendars of Bali
Palindon are calendars depicting the 12 months and the deity associated with that month. The painted scenes for each month illustrate the written predictions. The style is characteristic of the … Continue reading
Foretelling the Future in the Past – Astrological Calendars
In the past, the future seems to have been a very important idea and the ability to foretell it conferred immense powers on those who could make accurate predictions. Beginning … Continue reading
Antique Batik Toraja Ceremonial Textile Artwork – Available for Sale
Available for Sale: Antique Toraja Batik Ceremonial Textile
Daily Art Fix
Majestic head lama performing Losar ceremonies at a monastery in Sikkim – where Life and Art are inextricably braided into one!!
The Astitva Project – A Report on the Micro Project in Ladakh – Chapter 2
The Story They say that ‘when the weight of the paperwork equals the weight of the plane, the plane will fly’ – stressing the importance of the planning that must … Continue reading
Antique Balinese Lontar Beaded Basket – Available for Sale
Available for sale: ANtique Balinese Ceremonial Lontar Beaded Basket
ANNOUNCEMENT: Auction of Antique Phulkaris
Auction of rare exquisite Antique Phulkari Bagh Shawls collected from India in the 1960s-1970s and now in the wovensouls collection. Follow the link to view these pieces: http://stores.ebay.com/WOVENSOULS Ends on … Continue reading
Vintage Rajasthan Tribal Textile – Available for Sale
Available for Sale – Antique Shekhawati Tribal Shawl Odhana – embroidery on coarse handwoven cotton
Vintage Laotian Textile Art – Available for Sale
Available for Sale: Vintage Laotian Textile
Antique Cheriyal Painted Scroll – Art for Oral Traditions
In South Indian Paintings – A catalogue of the British Museum collection, A. L. Dallaiccola notes “Although in the past the majority of Indian people might have been illiterate, they … Continue reading
A Yao Ceremonial Mask
On a trip in 2009, I got this Yao mask from back of the bottom drawer of a store owned by an elderly couple. The beautiful woman and I shared … Continue reading
Antique Sindh Embroidered Wedding Shawl – Available for Sale
Available for Sale – Antique Sindh Embroidered Wedding Shawl
Vintage Cradle Cloth for one very lucky baby! Available for Sale
May the baby build a ladder to the stars! AVAILABLE FOR SALE * * *
External Article: In the Shade of the Royal Umbrella
An external link to start the week with! Link May 2017
Wearing the Neck Rings – Cultural Tradition of the Karen Tribe
The process of putting the rings on the neck of girls from he Long Neck Karen Tribe
Spotlight on Exceptional Phulkari Bagh Textiles
Inspired by the ongoing exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we have focused our spotlight on the exceptional Phulkari Baghs in the wovensouls collection. Enjoy the Visual Feast
Aesthetics and Intrigue – The appeal of Dayak Art
Dayak Art has a unique character that is easily recognisable visually. The swirls and curls that are used to create any picture are employed in the artworks of many Dayak … Continue reading
Variety of Textiles within Antique Yao / Zhuang Ceremonial Scrolls – 2
Continuing to study the diversity in the two Yao paintings, with a focus on costumes in this note. In each do take note of the composition of the costume – … Continue reading
Variety within Antique Yao / Zhuang Ceremonial Scrolls – 1
On studying the pair of paintings that are as tall as I am, I am struck by the variety in 2 aspects: 1) facial features and 2) costumes The diversity … Continue reading
External Article: Chamba Rumal Embroidered Textiles
A primer on Chamba Rumal: Link Apr 2017
Himalayan Art, Style and Fashion
A look at the ornate headdress of the Himalayan Aryan People
Textiles and more in the Kerta Gosa Museum – Bali
On my visit to the small museum in Kerta Gosa, Bali (2015) I did not expect to find any textiles. paintings yes – because that area is famous for paintings. … Continue reading
Old Buddhist Painted Parables on Furniture
Parables – simple stories used to illustrate a spiritual lesson – are found in every religion. But this way of painting these stories on furniture is unique. Was it a … Continue reading
A look at Miao Embroidery
“Miao embroidery is a unique and incredible skill—weaving actual metal thread into intricate patterns to create beautiful garments. A tradition over 500 years old, Miao tin embroidery is sadly a … Continue reading
A Culture Celebrates Identity! Happy New Year!
I have grown up in Mumbai …. in a neighborhood that was made of up mainly Maharashtrian and Gujarati residents (us). I learnt both language even before I knew what … Continue reading
Shigmo Utsav Festival 2017 Goa
Connected to our roots through the amazing Shigmo folk festival parade in Panaji. Proud of all the regular people participating so wholeheartedly in this parade Proud of the absence of … Continue reading
Textiles in Christian Art at The Met Museum
One’s bias comes alive when, in the face of several beautiful works, one pays greater attention to that single categories that our hearts favor. And so, even at the Met, … Continue reading
Ancient Christian Art at The Met
Just photos of some amazing artworks created a few centuries ago … From the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Wednesday Wisdom!
Every now and then words of wisdom (usually from others) try to enlighten me …
Choosing A Wedding Dress – Swat Valley Textiles
Choosing is wedding dress can be tough – especially when each is a stunning work of textile art. Presenting a few vintage and antique bridal dresses from the Swat Valley region
Living in the Lap of the Himalayas
Notes from a visit in 2016. This village is roughly 200 km away from the nearest airport. The Indus has created a gorge for itself over the centuries with two … Continue reading
A Walk in the Himalayas
A small video taking while walking along the Indus river in the Himalayas
Ballad by the Bauls of Bengal
A glimpse of the music by the Bauls the wandering minstrels of Bengal
Contemporary or Traditional?
Any guesses where this lovely pair of earrings might be from?
The Art in Future Foretold – Antique Horoscope
Art in a Sanskrit Hindu Horoscope Manuscript Scroll dated 1811
Where the Men are Liberated
In most places around the globe, the world has imprisoned men in clothing of plain colors – colors that ensure that the wearers melt into the background. The most they are allowed is a strip of color in the form of a tie. [But don’t be fooled – it is mostly lip-service – out of the 5 feet of fabric, only about 1 foot is allowed to peep through from under the coat!! ]
Home Decor Art: Embroidery on Pot Cushions
“Pot Cushions? What on earth is a Pot Cushion? And why would anyone put embroidery on it?!” This is the incredulous response of my friend – raised in the … Continue reading
Antique Tantric Phurba Carving – Available for Sale
Fourteen little pieces strung together in a necklace. Not an ordinary necklace but one that was used in rituals by tantric priests. Each is a Phurba made of Yak bone … Continue reading
Let’s Celebrate the Rooster!
A Very Happy New Year from Singapore! Wishing everyone a year of Prosperity & Good Health in the Year of the Rooster! Gong Xi Fa Cai embroidery; costume; antiques; artifact; … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Beaded Hilltribe Weaving
Beaded Loin Cloth More photos of Asset #163 on wovensouls.com [Premium Access Gallery] Even though I have never woven anything, it is easy to imagine the painstaking work involved in … Continue reading
The Poverty of Democracy
WARNING – This note has nothing do with art and culture – am just rambling about other stuff. [Found this in my unpublished drafts written a few years ago] ___ … Continue reading
Dragons and Serpents from Laos – Textile Art
According to Lao mythology the Naga are the protectors of the Lao state and it is quite natural that they are found in all the forms of art practiced there. … Continue reading
The Weight of Art
As I was measuring this skirt worn by petite young girls, I had to do a double-take. I had just written down 130 inches – that was twice as tall … Continue reading
Old Silver Opium Hafeem Box – Available for Sale
Available for Sale: Old Silver Opium Box
A Seat for the Gods
Furniture is so hard to photograph!! And this piece was not even meant to be furniture! It was the seat on a bullock cart. Not an ordinary seat for you … Continue reading
Goals for Tattoo Lovers
They say be careful about tattoos because you have to live with them for the rest of your life. When I turned 40 I realised that I was way into … Continue reading
Iron (Wo)Man
Just another work of art in iron! How long did it take to make? How much effort? No idea. But a hundred years later in 2016, we are still enjoying … Continue reading
Art in Mud – Village Scenes
This artwork by Dinesh Chandra Kumhar from Molela village was exhibited at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2016 Goa curated by the leading thinker in the world of Indian Art- Shri … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Double Sided Ajrakh Print
No words needed! {but will say some anyway!) The feature that makes this a masterpiece is the ‘double-sided print’. Both the front and the back have prints that are identical … Continue reading
Tales Textiles Tell – Toraja Sacred Cloth Batik
SO here is one more textile with many many stories depicted. Yet, I can only make conjecture about the story this piece is trying to tell, until someone from that … Continue reading
Games People Play
This seemingly benign game is played by 2-4 people of all ages. A roll of dice and a little thinking determine the outcome. The boards I have played it … Continue reading
Smoke gets in your Eyes!
A beautiful song taken a little literally by this neat little Naga Chillum Pipe! Carved out of animal bone this pipe from a Naga tribe portrays the image of a … Continue reading
Old Tribal Beaded Hair Ornaments for a Child – Available for Sale
Handmade Beaded Hair ornaments for a child. How are these worn? These are fastened to the hair at the level of the eyes – somewhat like blinkers perhaps? Here is … Continue reading
The Way We Were – II
Photos of an exhibition of photos from negatives in the archives of Souza & Paul – the oldest photo studio in Goa, presented at the fabulous Serendipoty Arts Festival 2016. … Continue reading
The Way We Were
Stunning larger than life print from the collection of negatives of Souza & Paul, Goa’s oldest photo studio, presented by the Serendipity Arts Festival. Soooo beautiful!! Jm Dec 2016 … Continue reading
Textiles in Antique Christian Art
The mind directs the vision. And so at the Met Museum NYC, I could not help but notice the textiles on the beautiful old artefacts of the Christian world of … Continue reading
Art for Fun – 16th Century Goose Game & Chess Board
Daily Art Fix – Art for Fun … Beautiful Game Board from 16th century Gujarat on display at the Met Museum, NYC
The Bridge to God – Shubha Mudgal
A note about the sublime experience of superlative performances of Indian Classical Music at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2016, Goa curated by Shubha Mudgal
Wood Art
Over the years in Singapore with its old world charm inherited from Chinese ancestors, I’ve seen wood artworks made out of a variety of woods: Huang Huali, Rosewood, Cherry Wood, … Continue reading
Museum Walk – Lacquered Papier Mache Art
Just a few photos of one more form of art – lacquered papier-mache objects. Manuscript covers and pen cases are the most common items in this type of art. … Continue reading
Daily At Fix – Peranakan Bead Art
A million beads strung together to create a large artwork! From the Peranakan Museum, Singapore
Lives lived differently
Goa. 2016. And people still fish for their dinner. As these men and I are now neighbours, it is time I adopt some of their ways. 1. Eat what you … Continue reading
Art for Our Pets
Do we love our pets enough to make such lovely things for them? Banjara Bullock Horn Covers See more on wovensouls.com Am sure handsome young Simba wouldn’t mind one more … Continue reading
Textiles in the Chaurapanchsika Love Poem of the 16th Century
Chaurapanchasika is a love-lament poem from the 16th century (some say earlier). [Chaurapanchasika is a set of 50 verses written by a Kashmiri Pandit Bilhana in the 11th century. It … Continue reading
Perspective makes all the Difference
Looking at things from the OTHER side makes alllll the difference!!
Making Kajal
In the olden days in West & North India everyone – men women, children AND infants had their eyes anointed with Kajal or Kohl or Meysh. The closest equivalent word … Continue reading
Art in A Phulkari Temple Hanging
A Temple Hanging from Punjab with its unique motifs makes it an intriguing subject to explore!
The Mesmerising Qashqai Motif
Clans do things similarly. Like make curry in a particular way, or wear their sari in a particular way. Or weave the central medallion in their rugs using one template. … Continue reading
Selk’Nam People
We talk of “vanishing” cultures…. here is one that has vanished. The Selk’nam also known as the Onawo or Ona, used to live in Patagonia. Most photos by anthropologist Martin … Continue reading
Art of the Universe – Yao Shaman Robes
Yao painting scrolls, Yao dragon bridges and now Yao Shaman robes! The Yao group has created several forms of art while pursuing their spiritual goals! Led by priests called Shamans, … Continue reading
The City of Benaras
“Yeh Benaras Hai” Literally it means “This is Banaras” but the tone included pride and an assurance – a way of saying “Don’t worry – it’s okay – this is … Continue reading
External Article: The World Nomad Games
Sounds like something I’d like to experience! External Link:
Mother of Pearl Inlay – Art in Wood
Exploring the art of carving out pictures in wood and then filling them with the beautiful contrasting mother-of-pearl bits cut to size. Precision is absolutely essential in the craft! The art allows us glimpses into the cultural ethos of the time it was made. Natural beautyf, music and the arts seem to be of great importance!
Book Recommendation – Yao Culture & Art
“How to make the Universe Right” The book goes into the spiritual practices of the Yao people. The deep reliance on the supporting art used makes the book very … Continue reading
Wood Art from Ancient China
An attempted burglary resulted in a forced movement of our furniture. These pieces had been tucked away in a place that I visited with high frequency but low attention-depth. Every … Continue reading
One more Hybrid – A Paithani weave from Benaras
A lot of people frown upon hybrids ….. I have no view on the subject. If evolutionary forces caused this to occur then so be it …. I am no … Continue reading
Talk: “Wedding Embroideries of Kutch”
A presentation of the Talk held at the Textile Museum Washington D.C. in June 2016.
A Journey for the Bucket List
An addition to the Bucket List….
It appears that I might need a second or third life to accomplish it all!
Daily Art Fix – Pathan Embroidery
A Pathan tablecloth with motifs that are seen even in the forehead-tattoos of Pathani women. ❤️ jm Sept 2016
Palace on the Ganga – Art in Architecture
Just pictures of a lovely place that has the atmosphere of serenity and quietude. The opulence is in the atmosphere created – rather than in its fixtures. … Continue reading
Kashi nu Maran – The Flood of Ganga – 2016
According to a famous saying in Gujarati – my mother tongue – one can attain Nirvana (bliss) through two simple ways: “Surat nu Jaman ke Kashi nu Maran” i.e. (By … Continue reading
A Hybrid is Born
In the olden days textile-art hybrids came about when a woman married into another group and brought with her art-memes from her parental culture. Today the world has shrunk and … Continue reading
The Holy River Ganga
A few sunrise photos captured on the phone camera of the important Ganga whose significance to Hindus is as deep as its waters. This may seem obvious – but … Continue reading
Benaras Ganga Diaries
An unplanned visit to the Ganga came my way. For spiritual reasons. For filial piety reasons. For ceremonies that complete the cycle of life & death. Measured in the number … Continue reading
The Art of Garlanding Flowers
Garlands are used at a range of events in India – to honor politicians, to mark birthdays, in the wedding ceremony and in funeral ceremonies. Flowers that are beautiful on … Continue reading
Pattua Singing from Bengal
In Bengal, in the olden days, in order to disseminate the holy stories, folk legends adn perhaps even news of major events, Pattua scrolls were used. Women first painted out … Continue reading
A Story in A Sar Pallu Phulkari Textile
Before we had cartoon TV serials, we had cartoon comics. Like Tarzan and Phantom and Dennis and Amar Chitra Katha. But before that, we had textiles! And stories were written … Continue reading
Handlooms of India
The title of this note is misleading as it is too broad – it is like saying ‘the universe’… I am sure that even if I were to toil 10 … Continue reading
Diversity in Folk Art – Bone Carvings
Exploring one more medium of folk art – Bones!
Homage to Subarnalata
Subarnalata lived a long time ago. Mainly in the imagination of the author – but nevertheless, she did live. Her life was probably borrowed from the author Ashapurna Debi’s own … Continue reading
The Tragedy of Uprooted Art
There are all forms of art in the world. Some portable and transferable and others that were meant to remain where they were created. At a recent visit to a … Continue reading
Parsis and the Opium Trade
Yesterday at a condolence visit, the conversation with my top mentors, inadvertently veered into the subject of collectibles and we spoke of many random subjects such as his encounter with … Continue reading
The Mashru Loom
My knowledge of weaving techniques is minimal – so I might be wrong in thinking that the Masru or Mashru loom is a complicated one. But the few looms that … Continue reading
Memories of a Sublime Experience – Balinese Art
Memories of a sublime art experience in Bali