Textile Item Number: Ef428 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Unfinished, embroidered and mirrored rectangle. Centre panel is red cotton(?). Border is black cotton embroidered with multi-coloured cotton. Centre panel is embroidered with eleven semi-circular floral patterns with mirrored centers and many petals, two stylized peacocks, chevrons and tridents. Floral patterns are outlined with a double row of chain stitch. Panel is bordered by a row of closely spaced small mirrors which is banded on each side by two linear borders of chain stitch. Black textile border is cotton embroidered with closely spaced mirrored floral patterns which are outlined with two rows of white chain stitch, leaves and chevrons. Embroidered with chain, inter-lacing and buttonhole stitches. Lining is pieced together from four different pieces of yellow-white cotton. Embroidery passes through lining, edges are unfinished but are held by basting stitches.
Iconographic Meaning
Mirror work and bright colours compensate for stark and arid desert conditions. Mirrors reflect pinpoints of light and give the effect of shimmering water.
Specific Techniques
The very uniform lines of chain stitch embroidery may be arhi bharat, which is worked with an awl with thread from below.
Item History
- Made in Gujarat, India between 1890 and 1920
- Owned by Milton Israel before November 12, 1985
- Received from Milton Israel (Donor) on November 12, 1985
What
- Name
- Textile
- Identification Number
- Ef428
- Type of Item
- textile
- Material
- glass and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- spun, dyed, woven, cut, embroidered and stitched
- Overall
- height 20.0 in, width 15.8 in
Who
- Culture
- Indian: Northern Indian and Indian: Central Indian
- Previous Owner
- Milton Israel
- Received from
- Milton Israel (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Gujarat, India
When
- Creation Date
- between 1890 and 1920
- Ownership Date
- before November 12, 1985
- Acquisition Date
- on November 12, 1985
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1062/0009