Textiles in Jain Paintings
A glimpse of Antique Indian Textiles from Jain Kalpasutra manuscript paintings from Gujarat. Were these textiles printed? Were these woven? Were these embroideries? Are there any surviving examples of textiles … Continue reading
Signs of Ageing
Last year as I took out some of white-base Thirma Phulkari shawls for a client, I could not help noticing the huge difference in the colors of the base cloth … 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
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
July News
Lots has happened in my world of textiles, art and culture recently Recent additions on wovensouls, talks that I wish I could attend, new functionalities launched in the gallery, important … 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
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 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
Wearing her mother’s Bridal Haalvan Phulkari
A “haalvan” phulkari is done on very fine cotton cloth that is similar to mul mul. This is the first time I held one in my hand! All bridal textiles … Continue reading
Boundless Creativity in Motifs
Superb embroidered motifs from the North West Frontier Province region photographed from faded fragments of dress-fronts! Enjoy the feast: What thought-paths created these very aesthetically pleasing unique motifs that have … Continue reading
Confused About Classification! Silver or Silk?
In awe of an antique Benarasi Sari with real silver sari!
Come Celebrate Diwali!
Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals of India falls on Nov 7th this year. On this night, the darkest in the lunisolar calendar, Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth … Continue reading
Service or Sacrilege? The Dilemma of Textile Art Fragments
Have you seen these? Amazing creativity isn’t it?!! ❤️ The ones that I have are in good but not in perfect condition – usage, withering natural life of the fibre … Continue reading
Artwork of the Day
A Peacock takes a little ram for a walk! What an endearing example of folk creativity! Seen in this most-beloved AntiqueQashqai Shekarlu rug that I cannot get enough of! More … Continue reading
Art of Tunisia
The more I know, the more I realise how ignorant I am. Someone famous said something like that in a much more cogent way. Completely true for me. In the … Continue reading
Raincoats of the Fortunate – Bhutan Textiles
Destinies differ between individuals. And between people groups. In the plate of destiny granted to me, raincoats were made of plastic. In the plate of the fortunate, raincoats were works … Continue reading
A Man and His Dowry
In many parts of North Africa, at the time of the proposal the families discuss the dowry the man is willing to pay to get his bride. The dowry is … Continue reading
Butterflies of Indonesia
And just when I thought I was done with the lessons in the Fauna of lovely Indonesia, along comes another Batik that showcases the butterflies of the islands: And the … Continue reading
Come Celebrate My Birthday on WOVENSOULS
It’s my birthday in August and it is the time of year when I take stock of my life. * I review the events of the last 12 months … Continue reading
The Rare Art of Double Sided Shia Embroidery
It is said that this art is no longer practiced. I am told they come from the Swat valley neighborhood and since there are not enough such textiles these are … Continue reading
Artwork of the Day
Amazing Ethnic Art worn by a very small minority group in Guizhou China. Asset 228 on WOVENSOULS.COM Enjoy the Visual Feast!
Artwork of the Day: Mirrors of Identity
A pair of Chaakla Decorative Textiles from Gujarat with rare golden mirrors Asset 152 on WOVENSOULS.COM
‘The Fringed Shawl’ – Exhibition at Berkeley
Exhibition at Berkeley, California
Daily Art Fix – Beshir Rug with Ikat Motif
A simple little work of textile art getting its time in the morning sun! This little piece was most probably woven by Beshir nomads in Turkmenistan. With a good exchange … Continue reading
Material Pleasures
When I was young I desired a million things but had no money to buy them with. Now when I am old, I have more money but very few things … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Applique Art from Bharaich
View a Khanduri cloth from Bharaich from the Met
Daily Art Fix: Men with an extra Arm?
Or is it a stick? Maybe they are the sons of the weaver! Interesting motif on an antique Kazak rug.
Patan Patola Ikat Weaving – HOW?
For those who wondered how! A video interview with a masterweaver Kanaiyalalbhai who explains the process step by step. To understand the technique of weaving Patan Patola double ikats and … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Ramayan in the Chamba Valley
Amazing 18th century Chamba Rumaal with scenes from the Ramayan https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/72821 Sita’s Fire Test Killing Ravan – A rare depiction with the severed heads and arms Am completed WOWed … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Saris as Textile Art!
Seen at the Victoria & Albert museum jaina mishra Feb 2018
Silken flowers from Gujarat India
One more fabulous piece from Gujarat! At first I thought it was a print … until I read the explanatory note! ❤️ This textile is from the V & A … Continue reading
Soldiers in Silk – Guns & Roses
This mesmerising silk Amli embroidery on a square pashmina shawl is from the 1800s and depicts soldiers circling around a thriving establishment. Note the deliberately highlighted flowers (roses?) amidst the … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Textile Art of Gujarat – AGAIN!
I might be accused of bias as Gujarat is my home state – but since I am not the only one to be smitten by Gujarat I might be absolved … Continue reading
A Tent Hanging from India
The series on the V & A textiles continues with the printed tent hanging! Makes me think that I should pay some more attention to prints … From the … Continue reading
A Kalamkari Coverlet – Antique Indian Textiles
A visit to any museum can be exhausting and the maximum I can handle is about 1 – 2 hours of exposure. In any given hall there are always too … Continue reading
The Bridal Sari of the erstwhile Queen of Sawantwadi 1922
I’ve seen a dozen or so amazing antique zari saris but none has been as unusual as this one seen in the museum of Sawantwadi, This shalu – a zari … Continue reading
On My Coffee Table
The advantage of my nomadic life is that I forget tbe pieces strewn around the other spaces that I dwell in (and that dwell inside me….). and so I see … Continue reading
Walking the Dog
And the bird in the cage. Scene in a double sided embroidery from the early 1900s. But could well have been a snapshot from modern day Singapore! More photos of … Continue reading
The Art of War – Motifs in an Embroidery
Surely Sun Zhu meant THIS arr? More photos coming soon on WOVENSOULS.com
Encore! Wovensouls Sale at The Arts House
After the successful September Exhibition at The Arts House, we received numerous requests for an encore! So this November, we will be offering some of our beloved antique works … Continue reading
Phulkari Auction
21 Phulkaris to be auctioned globally on November 24th, 2017. VISIT THE AUCTION WEBSITE here Oct 2017 antique art, antique embroidery, antique Indian, antique Indian textiles, ANTIQUE SHAWL, … Continue reading
Negative Spaces
“Negative space, in art, is the space around and between the subject(s) of an image. Negative space may be most evident when the space around a subject, not the subject … Continue reading
Women in Art – Literally
A series of textiles with women depicted in the art! 🙂 And more The ones above are from old textiles. Here’s one from a recently made banarasi brocade … Continue reading
Hidden Gems – new sightings in old acquisitions!
In an embroidery rich in texture and motifs and age, it was easy to miss the 5th color used sparingly – it hid within the flowers – almost shy of … Continue reading
Saving Beauty
We all need something to love, something to serve, and something to save… A piece came my way that is needs some tender loving care. Besides the fact that it … Continue reading
Who doesn’t enjoy Music in the Park!
MUSIC IN THE PARK – Notes in Silk!!! Just received this beauty made in Canton a century ago! Am yet to count the number of instruments being played in this … Continue reading
“Heirlooms” – Exhibition Report
A fabulous exhibition – great reviews from the guests, stimulating conversations, free flow of adulation for the artworks and brisk movement of unforgettable pieces to new homes! If you were … Continue reading
Courtship in Silk
Daily Art Fix – motif on an amazing wearable antique cantonese shawl! ❤️
More Strength to the Camel’s Back!
Here’s a beauty that will strengthen the proverbial camel’s back …. With something so gorgeous to call his own, no last straw will ever have the strength to break his … Continue reading
A Gift for the Emperor!
A gift for the Emperor ….depicted in silk in the late 1800s. So delicious …. Feasting on the art is so soul satisfying! sigh!
Beaded Textiles from Rajasthan?!!
Just noticed the fabulous beadwork on a shawl from Rajasthan that I’ve had for awhile. Endless delights in old acquisitions… All from the WOVENSOULS collection! ❤️
Textile Pride
Here’s what you get when a country is proud of its textile culture: Very impressive PDA (Public Display of Affection)! Aug 2017 All photos from the internet
The Romance of a Dowry or Trousseau
In primary school one school teacher talked of the ‘bottom drawer’ in which a girl puts in all the things she wants to take with her to her second home. … Continue reading
From One Nomad to Another
These lovely motifs from a nomadic tent band now decorate my life And they say material things cannot make one happy!?! Am finding that a great way to start the … Continue reading
ANNOUNCEMENT: Auction of Antique Phulkaris
Auction of rare exquisite Antique Phulkari Bagh Shawls collected from India in the 1960s-1970s and now in the wovensouls collection. Follow the link to view these pieces: http://stores.ebay.com/WOVENSOULS Ends on … Continue reading
Vintage Rajasthan Tribal Textile – Available for Sale
Available for Sale – Antique Shekhawati Tribal Shawl Odhana – embroidery on coarse handwoven cotton
Spotlight on Exceptional Phulkari Bagh Textiles
Inspired by the ongoing exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we have focused our spotlight on the exceptional Phulkari Baghs in the wovensouls collection. Enjoy the Visual Feast
Choosing A Wedding Dress – Swat Valley Textiles
Choosing is wedding dress can be tough – especially when each is a stunning work of textile art. Presenting a few vintage and antique bridal dresses from the Swat Valley region
Daily Art Fix – Beaded Hilltribe Weaving
Beaded Loin Cloth More photos of Asset #163 on wovensouls.com [Premium Access Gallery] Even though I have never woven anything, it is easy to imagine the painstaking work involved in … Continue reading
Dragons and Serpents from Laos – Textile Art
According to Lao mythology the Naga are the protectors of the Lao state and it is quite natural that they are found in all the forms of art practiced there. … Continue reading
Games People Play
This seemingly benign game is played by 2-4 people of all ages. A roll of dice and a little thinking determine the outcome. The boards I have played it … Continue reading
Art for Our Pets
Do we love our pets enough to make such lovely things for them? Banjara Bullock Horn Covers See more on wovensouls.com Am sure handsome young Simba wouldn’t mind one more … Continue reading
Art of the Universe – Yao Shaman Robes
Yao painting scrolls, Yao dragon bridges and now Yao Shaman robes! The Yao group has created several forms of art while pursuing their spiritual goals! Led by priests called Shamans, … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Pathan Embroidery
A Pathan tablecloth with motifs that are seen even in the forehead-tattoos of Pathani women. ❤️ jm Sept 2016
Rise of the Phoenix – Antique Silk Batik Shawl – Available for Sale
Or is it an enormous bee? This style of hand drawn batik (on silk) was created in Java for the Balinese market. This piece is in such a lovely condition … Continue reading
Banjara Textile Exhibition @ Joss Graham London
Banjara works are among the world’s most attractive textiles – the colors, the stitches the patterns and their dazzling embellishments are put together in an eye-catching manner. Almost every collector … Continue reading
Art of Africa – Kente Cloth – Available for Sale
A piece in a museum store priced at US$4000 (only) caught my eye. Such a high valuation piqued my interest and I began reading. The palimpsest of Kente cloths is … Continue reading
March of the Elephants – Antique Angami Naga Textile Art – Available for Sale
Surely this must mean something! One day I will learn what that is! In the meanwhile let’s enjoy the art: This Angami Naga cloth is a part of the wovensouls … Continue reading
Talk Announcement: Textile Museum, Washington D.C.
TITLE: Wedding Embroideries of Kutch, India Speaker: Jaina Mishra | Collector … The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum Washington D.C. Saturday June 4th, 2016 … …. … Continue reading
News from the Met Museum
A new exhibition featuring manuscript paintings (and therefore textiles in paintings) and textiles exploring medieval Islamic textiles in the 20th Century titled Transformed: Medieval Syrian and Iranian Art in the … Continue reading
Welcome to The Art Blog
“The purpose of art is washing off the dust of daily life off our souls” – Pablo Picasso
Presenting my notes on the diverse folk arts of Asia and the stimulating cultural stories contained within them – Jaina Mishra
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Adornments to Entice
In many cultures in the Eastern hemisphere, lifestyle devices are structured with the intention of security and protection. Clothes and costumes are designed to deflect the viewer’s eyes rather than … Continue reading
A Mother’s Labor of Love – Kohistani Baby’s Cap
In other places mothers-to-be and grandmas-to-be knit booties and mittens for the expected new arrivals. In Kohistan they make a cap. Such amazing work can only be born as a … Continue reading
The Fabulous Biboki weaving of Timor!
Double Sided supplementary weft (or warp?) weave from the Biboki people of Timor. An antique example: A betel nut bag: A vintage example: And a fantastic paper … Continue reading
Textiles in Ancient Balinese Paintings
Life is full of choices and the worst challenges are choosing between two bad choices or between two good choices. Shall I buy a painting or a textile? Shall I … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Ceremonial Sumatra Weaving
A stunning festive weaving from pre-1900 Sumatra
The Best Exotic Kuba Cloth Ever!
Another textile deserving of the title “Best”! I owned one Kuba currency cloth for awhile and have eyed many many pieces since. But none have had as much character as … Continue reading
Art for Food!
Covering food with a piece of cloth in the pre-plastic / glass era, seems to be a natural solution to the problem of keeping food fresh / safe / clean. … Continue reading
The Best Exotic Waziri Shawl!
So much joy to be found in Art!! I have called it the ‘best’ – because it is the best that I have ever seen. If there are better … Continue reading
INVITATION – Antique Indian Textile Art @ The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Singapore
BAZAR: SAT & SUN 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th November 4pm-8pm A mini-exhibition will showcase some textile masterpieces from the past. Some pieces from the wovensouls collection will also be available … Continue reading
Mochi or Cobbler Embroidery of Gujarat
Anyone who knows Gujarati or Hindi knows that Mochi means a cobbler. So when I first heard my dealer say that a category of very fine embroidery is known as … Continue reading
Textile Art Events @ The Esplanade, Singapore
1. Large Displays of Indian Textile Art View two magnificent large Phad paintings and two large mesmerising mirrorwork Dhaniyo artworks from Gujarat displayed in the Foyer. Nov 9th – Nov … Continue reading
Embroidered Door Curtains of Morocco
Moroccan Door Curtains of the 19th Century – Art in daily living! Until an hour ago, I did not know such things existed! And to think that some of the … Continue reading
A Journey to Assam along a ‘Vrindavani Vastra’
It is said that if you cross the Brahmaputra river once, you will return again to cross it a total of seven times. I’ve done 3 and as I try … Continue reading
Jain Chopat from the National Museum – Cultural Background of the Art
A fantastic post on the Jain Chaupat – explaining the cultural significance of the textile. Click Here to read it. jm Oct 2015
Save the Date: Talk on Textile Traditions of India @ Esplanade, Singapore
Save the Date! November 22nd, 2015 Click to view more details:
Dowry Bags & Purses
A link to the Dowry Bags & Purses of Gujarat, India. jm July 2015
DAILY ART FIX – AN ARTWORK A DAY
An addict constantly needs a fix to keep him stable. Me – in moments of extreme stress I find solace & peace in viewing works of traditional art. In normal … Continue reading
Karakalpak Motifs – Art in Geometry
Sometimes it is enough to just enjoy the visual without knowing the meaning… View the complete piece and other images here on wovensouls,com … Continue reading
The Lore of a Kilim Rug | The Lure of a Kilim Rug
One day a Yürük tribal chief saw a kilim rug cast on the ground by a tent. Looking at it brought anguish to his heart, so he called on his … Continue reading
Woven into the Household – Literally. Central Asian Tent Bands
The fact that fabrics are necessary in our lives is stating the obvious. Textiles are an integrated element in our households. But some are decorated – to the extent that … Continue reading
Sunwash for the Wool Artworks
Flooding them with rays of the complete solar spectrum including ultraviolet & infrared spectrum that the micro-residents of wool-land finf fatal! Today it is the turn of the beloved old … Continue reading
Sad Story – Vanished Art
Sad observation made by a housewife who, like all the other housewives of that era. embroidered extensively in her lifetime*. [From the biography of Mrs. Krishen found in S. S. … Continue reading
Silken Bridges to Fairy Tale Dreams | Swat Pillow Cases
The valleys of Swat / Hazara and neighboring areas have faced incessant turmoil. Yet, or perhaps because of that turmoil, the human spirit looks inward and finds ways to create … Continue reading
Rainbows to B&W
Just one look at the contrast between traditional costumes of tribes that are worn on festivals and their normal day-to-day clothes makes me think that our rainbows are turning Black … Continue reading
Triangles of Passion – A Special Textile
A Bagh textile with a thousand triangles – created with love and passion
Superfine Weft Warp Embroidery from Kohistan
Embroidery from the Kohistan people never fails to intrigue me. Someday I want to watch them do it. The Kohistani shawl has two separate layers that are stitched along one … Continue reading
Anarchy & Chaos in a Tribal Textile!
Most traditional textiles seem to follow the patterns that are unique to their tribe. These patterns probably began with some seed of an idea and then evolved over generations to … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Antique Tribal Textiles of Borneo
Presenting as Eye Candy – Tribal Textiles from several of the Dayak people of Borneo: ATB-205 ANTIQUE TRIBAL TEXTILE – IBAN BEADED SKIRT Click to get a larger dose of … Continue reading
DAILY ART FIX – Gujarat Embroidery
RUSTIC TRIBAL EMBROIDERY WITH GORGEOUS NATURAL COLORS ON COARSE HAND SPUN COTTON! JM. .
Daggers in the Heart – Textile Art to die for!
The Ain-i Akbari manuscript, a part of the Akbarnama volumes written by Abu’l-Fazl in 1621 documents various weapons used in the Mughal era. Among the weapons described is the Jamdhar … Continue reading
DAILY ART FIX – Gujarat Textile Art
Vintage “Chakla / Chaakda” Wall artwork in the form of cotton embroidery. From Gujarat, India. [VTI-719 on the wovensouls website. ] jm Jan 2015
Ignorance is Bliss
Sometimes, or rather, in my case it is many times, I buy blind. i.e. I buy not quite knowing what it is that I am buying. The visual is my … Continue reading
Loin Cloths – Art in Frugality
It appears to me from media, from the TV shows, films and music, especially those from Hollywood & Bollywood, that the world today is obsessed and preoccupied with matters of … Continue reading
ANTIQUE TEXTILE NEWS: The Fabric of India Exhibition
An exhibition at the V&A museum
Art from the Swat Valley – an external article
Recommended reading on Swat Valley: Link to An article by Doris Srinivasan To view textile artworks from Swat & around please click on this link.
AN ARTWORK A DAY – The Camel Caravan Odhana
The fantastic “Camel Caravan Odhana” from the Bishnoi community Rajasthan
Introducing The Swat & Kohistan Textiles Collection on Wovensouls.com
Introducing a small collection of textiles from a culture that is literally being extinguished by war. The silk embroidery of these textiles is as fine and delicate as their living … Continue reading
The day I almost missed a Flight – Textiles of the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
In the late 80s I had heard about the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad and the things I heard evoked a desire to visit. Life came in the way between … Continue reading
The Dilemma of Fragments
Age destroys many materials. Textiles succumb. They fade, they see wear and tear through usage, their dyes eat into the cloth slowly over time, and direct light exposure takes the … Continue reading
ANNOUNCEMENT : ‘VANISHING CULTURES’ – An Exhibition of Cultural Photographs & Antique Traditional Arts
The Gallery @ The Arts House (Old Parliament) Come enjoy a visual feast – view the collection gathered over a decade of travels and acquire a piece or two and … Continue reading
The Calico Museum – an unforgettable experience
Recently I came upon this book. And it reminded me of my visit to the Calico musuem. Set in Ahmedabad, this is one of the most venerated museums in Indian … Continue reading
Antique Yao Head Cloth – 3-D weaving!
A close look at the end-bands of this Yao Head cloth (or shoulder cloth) reveals a 3-Dimensional visual that has been created intentionally! Worn by women on the head in … Continue reading
Antique Colonial-Era Saris
Two rare & unique saris from a bygone era. Rare because of their age. Unique because of the unique English motifs woven into the borders of the sari – woven … Continue reading
WOVENSOULS | Antique Textiles | Hilltribes
To view all the items in the WOVENSOULS gallery of textiles, jewelry and art, please click here.
WOVENSOULS | Antique Textiles | Tibet & Himalayas
This page showcases some of the Tibetan & Himalayan textiles from the Wovensouls Collection. To view the dozen or so assets please visit WOVENSOULS.com linked here. jm July 2013
WOVENSOULS | Antique Textiles | Persian Rugs
This page showcases rugs from the Wovensouls Collection. To view the detailed images please visit WOVENSOULS.com linked here. Prices may be requested from jaina@wovensouls.com. To view the detailed images or … Continue reading
Dowry of A Mother’s Love – The Bagh Textile of Punjab
THE DOWRY A young girl leaves her home to join another family of which she knows very little. She has spent her childhood and early youth sheltered within the large … Continue reading
PRESS RELEASE : Wovensouls Website migration
The Wovensouls webgallery of antique textiles, antique jewelry and antique folk art has been redesigned and has moved to a new hosting server. The content is now available HERE. Acquire … Continue reading
WOVENSOULS SUMMER AUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT
The Summer Auction of timeless textile art, jewelry art and folk art will be conducted online-only on Artfact.com and is open for bidding until June 30th. The catalog may be … Continue reading
Wovensouls makes its first sale to a Museum!
Time for celebration! Wovensouls has just made its first sale to a museum. That the buyer is a renowned museum with one of the best cultural collections in the world … Continue reading
Textile Art of the Ahom Kingdom – Guwahati Museum Collection
The Ahoms are a community found largely in Assam. This community consists of the descendants of ethnic Tai people who accompanied the Tai prince Sukaphaa who established the Ahom kingdom … Continue reading
Tribal Textile and Bead Art of Nagaland
This photoessay is preceded by the article that appears on Jozan.net titled “Red, White and Black – Tribal Textiles of Nagaland” available here. Images will say it better than words … Continue reading
