Short Non-Academic Online Talks on Art & Culture
With the availability of new technology, I have hosted a few online talks on ZOOM. The talks are all non-academic and explore the stories that surround the art. They are … Continue reading
Tech+Art at Christie’s
Technology at the service of art can have amazing results as can be seen from the way the Christie’s Asian Art Auction has been presented online: Take a look: Christie’s … Continue reading
A Glimpse of Banarasi Sari Weaving – 1
A little abouta visit to the handloom weaving centre in Banaras through which I learnt a few things. Since I have not learnt about textile design I had no idea … Continue reading
The Showstopper
THE SHOWSTOPPER at the Phulkari AUCTION Sep 6 on Liveauctioneers. A Rare BAGH Sainchi Phulkari … with the base cloth completely covered up in silk stitches! As in all Sainchis … Continue reading
Life Changes …. A Bishnoi Example
LIFE CHANGES … There was a time when you could recognise a community by their dress and their jewelry. Because every group made their own clothes. Yarn from goat hair … Continue reading
August Arrivals – Majestic Antique Pashminas
Come have a look at some gorgeous soft-as-kittens Pashminas that have just arrived. Some unique prayer mats, some moon shawls, and Amlikar and a Dorukha! All but the last are … Continue reading
There’s Gold Plated Hotels and then there’s Antique Gold….
WoW! Promotional messages in my mailbox rarely get opened. But when a Gold Plated Hotel came up I was curious. I could imagine only a few places on earth where … Continue reading
Have you ever seen….
A Wave Splitter? It sits on the front of the canoe, and as the name suggests, splits the wave as it hits the boat. And the owner loved his … Continue reading
A Narrative Palindon Painting from Kamasan, Bali
The curiosity evoked from seeing something new from a different geography and a different history is delicious fodder for the mind. So when I came across a ‘calendar’ with inscriptions … Continue reading
A Wedding ‘Muklawa’ Scene in a Textile
The term ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’ has been coined in the recent times. But it has existed for decades. Even in families with limited means, a wedding supercedes all other … Continue reading
What Do You Believe In
A note about Imaan or Faith or Allegiance. There ought to be at least one thing – an idea, a love, a craft, a nation, a god – just about … Continue reading
When the ‘Negative’ is Desirable
When the NEGATIVE is desirable… An Amli masterpiece on pashm wool. Negative spaces or spaces in which there is no silk embroidery were used to create a variety of … Continue reading
Why paint on Yak Bone? A Himalayan Buddhist Thangka
Devotional Art comes in many forms in the Buddhist Himalayas. Thangkas are the most commonly known artworks and can be found on paper, cloth and walls in large display-worthy sizes. … Continue reading
Elephant or Stork? Laotian Silk Weaving – 2
So remember this? I received a note from a knowledgeable reader and am sharing his note here: Joshua Hirschstein writes “The primary motif is that of the “phii nyak,” or … Continue reading
Dragons in My Dungeon – Antique Soumac Rugs
Exploring some dragon soumac rugs in my dungeon…
Elephant or Stork? Laotian Silk Weaving
Elephant? Stork? Dragon? Who is it that lurks in this amazing antique silk weaving from Laos? And who are the two little one riding on his back? If one doesn’t … Continue reading
Summer Birds
Peacocks in Shawls & Cockerels in Rugs.
If you too would like to spend time birding from your armchair follow me…
When you can’t go Outside.. Lockdown Activity #99
So here I am staring at my screen and conducting a full census of all the animals that live with me in my antique textiles and artworks…
Textiles in a Textile – Study of a 17th C Kalamkari – 3
A study of Costumes & Textiles in a 17th century Kalamkari textile. Note not just the prints and motifs but also the style of the stitched garments! A must-study for … Continue reading
The Best Exotic Azeri Shaddah Weaving
(Title inspired by the Hollywood film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) So after rummaging through the internet for Shaddahs or Shaddas, I have come to appreciate mine even more than ever. … Continue reading
Someday Soon…
Someday soon we’ll go for a ride…. someday when the world is safe again. Until then, let’s all stay indoors & safe! Some days we’ll ride on the animal… and … Continue reading
