Wayang Batik – Hindu Influences in the Art of Indonesia
Isn’t that Lord Ganesh bowing? (the elephant’s trunk is the clue…) Lord Ganesha in Asset 1749 This is a scene from a large Wayang Batik textile from Cirebon Indonesia. Surprised … Continue reading
Nothing Left to Lose
“Nothing left to lose” is a sad statement … it is not a position to be envied – because surely each life must have at least one thing, one relationship, … Continue reading
Addicted to the Movement
Or I could say addicted to the skies. My sweet mentor Mrs. Wagle once told me of a failed project. She had seen the balloon sellers who set out out … Continue reading
Art of Egypt
A few gems of art seen in Egypt. From various periods and various styles…a delight for my eyes. ** jaina mishra July 2023 wovensouls.com
Learn Geometry through Antiques
So I got sent an “maybe you’ll like this” type of email from an auction house. It featured an old map. I knew that people collected old maps but knew … Continue reading
A Courtesan Scene in a Kantha Textile
A textile caught my attention for the unique scene it depicted…. Men, women, dancing, musicians… This is clearly set in a ‘Kotha’ in which courtesans and dancing girls welcomed noblemen … Continue reading
Folk Music Concert on the Street, Hanoi
Sharing some pictures of a lovely evening at a street concert outside a temple in Hanoi It did not matter that I stood or sat on a rock. All that … Continue reading
The Joys of Daily Life – in Silk
The scenes in a shawl made a hundred years ago show moments of pleasure and joy. And clearly these scenes give us joy even today. Smoking in the garden, holding … Continue reading
Portraits from Mizoram
A decade ago I witnessed the amazing culture of Mizoram at a festival and took some photos. Presenting some photos here once again: Chapchar Kut is the harvest festival celebrated … Continue reading
Indian Art – Paintings in The Kangra Museum
The first floor of the Kangra museum made the trip worthwhile. I am not a student of Indian fine art – so it was easy for me to enjoy these. … Continue reading
Embroideries in The Kangra Museum
Collectors of Indian textiles will already know of the double-sided Chamba Rumaals made in Himachal Pradesh. These usually have scenes from the Krishnayan – the life of Krishna. The art … Continue reading
Art in the Temples of Ninh Binh
A long drive out of Hanoi. A ride in a little row boat. Stopping and seeing temples hidden away in the wilderness. Temples that could have been reached by the … Continue reading
Indonesian Glass Paintings – Museum of Ethnology collection
Presenting here a new form of art that I had not been exposed earlier: Indonesian Glass Paintings. The subjects are always Indonesian folk stories and legends or a narrative of … Continue reading
A Caucasian Dragon Zileh like no other
Once again serendipity strikes and brings a stunner into my life. Dragon Zilehs / Sileh / Zili rugs form the South Caucasus are easy to find online. But all the … Continue reading
Learning from Museums
Much of what we select in life, depends on what we have experienced until that point in time. The more we’ve seen the more discerning we are likely to be. … Continue reading
Jain Manuscripts & Textiles – National Museum Delhi
See more in my note written in 2014 And if you’d like to acquire an almost complete set of 88 folios – visit WOVENSOULS.COM Asset 9003 *** jm December 2022
Heritage Architecture of Murshidabad
Palaces of rulers, wealthy merchants and officials … More photos of the remnants of the magnificent history of Bengal. The seat of the British Raj for awhile, the region attracted … Continue reading
Terracotta Temples of Murshidabad
The beauty of the architecture, its unique style, the detail of the terracotta plaques on the walls that tell stories from the Hindu epics, the colors.. all fascinate me. The … Continue reading
Visiting the Past – The Heritage House of a Wealthy Merchant
It is a long 6 hour drive from Kolkata. Knowing that India had advanced so much with its fantastic road network, I knew that it would not be a tedious … Continue reading
The Use of A Chandarvo Textile
I’ve collected Gujarat Textiles for decades. And have come across many ‘canopy’ textiles for sale – that are used as a cover over the goddess deity during ceremonies. Further my … Continue reading
Rare Chelaberd Eagle Kazak Rug
Ten years ago, when I began reading about rugs and textile art, I’d read that they were ‘must haves’ as they are rare. Over the years I saw many being … Continue reading
