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Description

Burgundy men’s shirt of heavy woven cotton with polished outside and felted inside. The shirt has a quilted standing collar, tapered sleeves and side slits. The side opening has metal frog closures engraved with swastikas. There is a pocket on the right inner flap. The inside is unlined. There is a white stamp of the map of India on the inner front.

History Of Use

Weaving in Tibet is the traditional occupation of women. This shirt is typical of shirts common in the Himalayas. The style is known all over central Asia, adopted into China during the Mongol Era. Its origin in the high plateau region is evident in the stylistic details; the long sleeves which partially cover the hands, the double cross of fabric which covers the chest, its length and cut suitable to be worn while riding a horse, all attest to its relation to specific features of the area. The people of the area are equestrians living in a cold climate. The same style may be found in padded or quilted variations. Tibetans have long excelled in the art of dyeing, red being the favoured colour in its various shades. Burgundy is the colour most typically worn by monks and clergy in Tibet (collector's notes).

Cultural Context

worn by men

Iconographic Meaning

Swastika is an ancient Vedic symbol, a cosmic sign.

Narrative

Purchased at the market in Kalimpong town, from Tibetan merchants who cater to Tibetans.

Item History

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