Outstanding wedding shawl that is made for the bride over several years in the same manner as phulkaris.
From the Sindh region.
Superb glossy silk embroidery on superfine cotton or mulmul base that is unusually fine.
The cloth has been handwoven on narrow looms and several strips have been attached together to create this large sheet format.
Filled with flowers of two types – both with 6 petals. In one, the inner whorl has pointed petals and in the other the petals are rounded. Such a variation is usually attributed to a change of hand during the process of creating the artwork – maybe a grandaunt contributing to the blessings for the bride. Further there is a minor color variation in the red that is probably on account of threads dyed in different batches ageing differently over time.
Has stains. Has holes from contact with rust / reddish substance – probably from the trunk in which this stored. Most of the holes have been repaired with reinforcement patches on the back. The repair does not make the holes disappear but at least visually their impact is diminished and structurally this will make the superfine shawl less vulnerable to further deterioration.
This shortcoming has been factored in to the price of this otherwise-outstanding textile
The superfine grade of the base cloth combined with age makes the fabric extremely fragile and must be dealt with care.
Age unknown but estimated to be 50-60 years old
[Green background is a mounting idea and is for illustrative purposes only]
214 x 136cm approximately
