Art of Worship – Embroidered Tibetan Thangka
The Buddhist philosophy of keeping the mind engaged in various forms of prayers as the route to earning Karma has resulted in many exquisite artworks. Created with the powerful … Continue reading
Jewelry – Style of Ancient Gods
The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco has a fabulous collection of ancient Buddhist & Hindu Temple statues. As I saw the various stone masterpieces, I could not help noticing … Continue reading
What is this Figurative Weft Ikat?
Any idea? Nearly 5 metres long this textile has motifs of boats, people, animals and unrecognisable creatures. Acquired from a late Canadian collector who acquired it from the Indonesian archipelago … Continue reading
Desert Art – Motifs of the Bishnoi People
How can one not love this art? In my few trips to Rajasthan I’ve not had the good fortune of seeing these in-situ .. being worn by the Bishnoi women. … Continue reading
A Bird Watcher’s Delight
I’d heard of Bird Rugs ….usually associated with Afshar group of South Persia. Something like this: But now I’m seeing a Bird Shawl! This Cantonese work of art has … Continue reading
Astitva Project Report – Aug 2019
A little success. A little failure. Success because most of the participants achieved their goals. But what hurt was the fact that a small group did not achieve them completely. … Continue reading
Animal Love
We all love our animals! The Qashqai weaver put hers in her rug while I had a few sweet moments with a sheep & a goat in my lap! See … Continue reading
Spinning Yarn
Seen in the Himalayas….an activity, a skill, a lifestyle …. People STILL live in this charming way! All through our afternoon conversation in which our minds and voices engaged, their … 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
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
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
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
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 Note on Phulkari Classification
A compilation of my jottings on Phulkaris Textiles of Punjab
