This lavishly embroidered silk jacket is a fine example of Indian women's fashion from the mid-late 20th century. Most probably made for the tourist market, the jacket is embellished with gold threaded sequins and mirrors in the form of boteh (paisley) motifs, associated with fertility, and other floral patterns.

This particular jacket forms part of an extensive collection of textiles, dress and handiwork assembled from 1953 to 2001 by Mrs Helen McLeod Crocker, traveller and collector. Almost thirty countries are represented in the collection including Afghanistan, Australia, Bali, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Kenya, Lao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Salvador, Somalia, South America, Syria, Thailand, The Ivory Coast, Turkey and Yemen. Helen was very selective in the objects she acquired and the inspiration for her collection originated from her desire to preserve the true essence of the societies she encountered.

This jacket was probably made in India between 1953-2001.

This jacket was collected by Mrs Helen Crocker during her travels to India between 1953 and 2001.

Jacket, womens, silk / metallic thread, maker unknown, probably India, 1953-2001

Silk organza long jacket with stand collar, button down front and long sleeves, heavily machine embroidered in metallic gold thread down right-hand side of the body. The back, yoke, left-hand side and cuff are embroidered with scattered motifs in metallic gold thread, gold and pink sequins.

Made: 1953 - 2001

No marks.

2011/44/33

1953 - 2001

630 mm