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
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
Map of Srinagar in Embroidery!!
Should I bid on it? I WOULD if I COULD but I CAN’T so I WON’T My bank balance won’t allow it 🙂 So for those who can – this … Continue reading
The Circle of Life ~ Antique Kantha Motif
CIRCLE OF LIFE Welcoming a new cycle … A fresh year, a clean slate ….a new beginning. Let’s move on, let’s leave behind the old, let’s make more memories, let’s … Continue reading
Hainan Brocades & Embroidery
I have just been introduced to two groups of textile arts created by the Li people of Hainan. As I learn I am sharing the resources that I’ve found. Hainan … Continue reading
The Thrill of Discovering New Old Arts
So in my collecting habits, I am like a butterfly … go after whatever entices the heart or the eye. Most of the time the pieces that allure fall within … 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
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
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
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
A Note on Phulkari Classification
A compilation of my jottings on Phulkaris Textiles of Punjab
Daily Art Fix – Stars in her EYES
“Stars in her eyes” – A bridal scarf from the Yao group. The textile is not old but has been made by an old experienced hand! Frame it / hang … Continue reading
Krishna’s Raas Lila in Silk Embroidery
Art Fix for the Day – Two Rumals with double-sided embroidery!
Textile Study Tour of Punjab
Preface on the minor notes about the textile study tour, Punjab, 2019
A Phulkari Fan from the Olden Days
Here’s another cultural remnant of the olden days in Punjab – A ceiling fan decorated with Phulkari work: The rope is used to swing the fan and is held by … 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
Bless the Kohistani Creator!
“Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin Mehke to nazar aa jaaye kahin” Only the brilliant A. R. Rahman’s lyrics are appropriate for this outstanding masterpiece from Kohistan. “A flower may try to … Continue reading
Opium Culture – History in Art
There is too much that I do not know anything about and the role that opium played in the history of China is one of them. Were it not for … 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
Rare Swat Wedding Shawl with ‘Self’ Embroidery
Just when I’d thought I’d seen the complete range of the niche textile art from Swat Valley, along comes a piece that challenges that belief and nudges me out of my smug stupor. – Exploring a Rare Swat Valley Artwork
