Door Hanging Item Number: 1330/13 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Lavishly embroidered over-doorway hanging with bold, multicoloured designs on a predominantly red background. The hanging consists of a long, narrow, horizontal, central panel to which are attached seven small, U-shaped “pennants” that are arranged side-by-side along the lower edge. The designs on the central panel are alternating flower and parrot motifs, worked in chain stitch; at the right-hand end of this panel, there is a narrow band of red cotton textile, embellished with interlacing stitch, that does not match the rest of the panel in design or colouration. The pennants are embroidered with floral motifs in chain stitch on red or black cotton textile; the designs on the pennants are very similar to one another, but differ in colouration. All edges are bound with three (sometimes four) strips of black, yellow, green and/or red cotton binding. Tassels made of bundles of cloth scraps are sewn at intervals along the top and side edges and at the bottom of each pennant. The various components of the hanging are underlined with scraps of printed cotton gauze. Loops of braided fibre are sewn on the top corners.

History Of Use

Suspended as a frieze across the top of doorways in the bride’s house to welcome guests to a wedding or other festive occasion; usually used in association with other embroidered hangings, festive clothing, jewelry and canopies to create a colourful, celebratory environment. The pennants hang down into the doorway, so that everyone who enters the home has to bow in deference to the celebrant.

Narrative

Purchased by Milton and Beverly Israel while traveling in India.

Specific Techniques

chain stitch; running stitch; square chain stitch; interlacing stitch; buttonhole stitch

Cultural Context

ceremonial

Item History

What

Name
Door Hanging
Identification Number
1330/13
Type of Item
hanging
Material
cotton fibre, silk fibre ?, glass, silver alloy metal ? and dye
Manufacturing Technique
embroidered, appliqued and sewn
Overall
height 43.5 cm, width 106.0 cm

Who

Culture
Rabari ? or Kachhi ?
Previous Owner
Milton Israel and Beverly Israel
Received from
Milton Israel (Donor) and Beverly Israel (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Gujarat, India ?

When

Creation Date
before 1988
Collection Date
during 1988
Ownership Date
before October 27, 1988
Acquisition Date
on October 27, 1988

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Current Location
Case 103
Accession Number
1330/0013