1071 Old Meenakari Varida Bagh Phulkari

Dense Phulkari Bagh

antique Indian textile phulkari bagh embroidery shawl

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The layout may be described as Meenakari on account of the colored dots that are strewen across the field and borders. The art of ‘Meenkakari’ is the colored-enamel work seen in Gold jewelry.

Fine small stitches tightly laid out in concentric diamonds – this arrangement is the defining factor of high quality Vari da Baghs that are part of the gifts for the bride.

Punjab, unidivided India

Age unknown but estimated to be 50-60 years old

NOTE: The shade of the white silk floss threads used on the left panels is slightly different from the one used on the other half. As the panels are made separately and often at different points in time and each Phulkari takes years to complete, this variation is expected in Phulkaris.

I view it as proof of authenticity – as no commercial maker would plan for this.

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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