black ground with rows of figures in pink, orange and white; geometric borders; one end has fantastic animals

Woman's festival veil or wall hanging (Sainchi phulkari), early 20th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Cotton, silk; embroideryexpand_more

Gift of Richard L. Simmonsexpand_more  2000.282.13

Not on Viewexpand_more

Figurative black-ground embroideries were produced in a small area of the old Indian Punjab. Created by household women for their own use as festival veils and wall hangings, they were essentially fantasy cloths, mixing mythological scenes and daily happenstance, stock village characters and exotic strangers, familiar animals and imaginary beasts, everyday objects and longed-for luxuries. Traditional yet highly idiosynchratic, these textiles are among the most whimsical creations of South Asia.

Details
Title
Woman's festival veil or wall hanging (Sainchi phulkari)
Role
Artist
Dimension
H.49-1/2 x W.97-1/4 in.
Accession Number
2000.282.13
Curator Approved

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black ground with rows of figures in pink, orange and white; geometric borders; one end has fantastic animals