This group of textiles and costume are fine examples of the textile traditions from the Indian sub-continent.

The Mughal influence, which is associated with the flowering of Indian textiles, is well illustrated in this collection with the examples of Indo-Persian design motifs. There are also examples of the designs and techniques characteristic of particular regions, such as the phulkari embroidery of the Punjab, the mirror work of Western India and the distinctive stitches of the Sindh region.

Due to the colonial involvement with England, Portugal, the Netherlands and France there has been much cross-fertilization of ideas and techniques. Indian printed textiles from the Coromandel Coast were exported to Europe as luxury goods as early as the seventeenth century and the recognition of India's skills continued through to the 19th century. A familiar example is the translation of the Kashmiri shawl with its 'buta' motif into the woven shawls of Paisley and Norwich. India took part in the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London in 1886 and the block printed textiles exhibited were agreed to be of a fine standard.

The works in this collection demonstrate a range of styles and techniques from a number of regions. The group includes examples which are of value for their weaving or embroidery, as examples of printing, or for the style and detail of construction where it is an article of costume.

See part records for details.

See part records for details.

See part records for details.

See part records for details.

Collection of Indian textiles and costume.(AF).

A7967