Shawl Item Number: Ef410 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Brown-red rectangular cloth, of three long panels; hand sewn; short sides unfinished; top and bottom are blanket-stitched; embroidered with satin in double-running and Holbein stitches; bordered with two rows of vines and geometric flowers; upper side at left is unbordered; four elephants of varying sizes, human figure, and geometric figure in upper left corner; fourteen regular rows of stylized peacocks; eighth row from bottom has abstract curving peacocks; other rows alternate between two designs of left-facing peacocks; two jewelry items in upper left corner.
History Of Use
Traditionally, an important part of a bride's trousseau. Also used as curtains or wall hangings.
Iconographic Meaning
Peacock symbolizes beauty and immortality and is the vahana of Subrahmanya, the six-faced god and son of Shiva. Elephants represent power and authority and are the vahana of Indra, chief of the minor gods.
Item History
- Made in Punjab, India during 1900
- Owned by Sotheby Parke Bernet Ltd. before August 22, 1979
- Received from Sotheby Parke Bernet Ltd. (Seller) and Fyfe-Smith Memorial Oriental Collection Fund (Funding source) on August 22, 1979
What
- Name
- Shawl
- Identification Number
- Ef410
- Type of Item
- shawl
- Material
- cotton fibre and silk fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, dyed, cut, sewn and embroidered
- Overall
- height 137.3 cm, width 232.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Punjabi
- Previous Owner
- Sotheby Parke Bernet Ltd.
- Received from
- Sotheby Parke Bernet Ltd. (Seller) and Fyfe-Smith Memorial Oriental Collection Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Punjab, India
When
- Creation Date
- during 1900
- Ownership Date
- before August 22, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on August 22, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0547/0005