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
Hybrid Art 7 – Kashmir Shawl
Finding pieces that are ‘pure’ in their identity is always a pleasure. But finding pieces that have some hybrid qualities adds excitement to the process of discovery of the character … 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
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
Washing Shawls in 1867
An antique Indian miniature painting from the Kyburg exhibition catalog (1988) depicts the washing of shawls The 1867 painting is possibly from Lahore, Such a treat to get a glimpse … 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
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
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
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
Courtship in Silk
Daily Art Fix – motif on an amazing wearable antique cantonese shawl! ❤️
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!
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
A Dealer would have been happy …
When some piece sells a dealer would be happy. When this fantastic tribal weaving (stole) sold, I felt pangs of separation anxiety. When the buyer wrote to say that he … Continue reading
Dowry Bags & Purses
A link to the Dowry Bags & Purses of Gujarat, India. jm July 2015
Let’s play with Elephants Today! – A Fairy Tale in a Textile!
“Let’s play with our elephants today” said one little girl to another. And the birds joined them at play on their unicycles made of flowers! But one little bird felt … Continue reading
Wovensouls ‘Vanishing Cultures’ Exhibition Highlights | Two rare Kohistan Shawls
Two rare shawls from Kohistan – a land whose culture is among the most endangered. Extravagantly embroidered with silk thread, beads and embellishments. Perfect collectible / large wall hanging. Rare. … Continue reading
Naga lifestyle
Pineapple plantation Buddies chatting on a ‘puliya’ Local Backpacks Dimapur market: Small intertwining lanes that would challenge the map-drawers skills; Shops spilling out onto the streets with wares stacked in … Continue reading
