"[A] handsome digest of commercial, tribal, and folk textiles." —Fiberarts The production of textiles in India continues to flourish just as it has for many centuries. The interactions of indigenous tribes, invaders, traders, and explorers throughout history has built a culture legendary for its variety and color. From the Rann of Kutch to the Coromandel coast, handloom weavers, block printers, painters, dyers, and embroiderers are creating the most extraordinary textiles. This all-encompassing survey of textiles from every region of the Indian subcontinent runs the gamut of commercial, tribal, and folk textiles. The authors first place them in context by examining the cultural background: the history, the materials, and the techniques—weaving, printing, painting, and tie-dye. They then give a detailed region-by-region account of traditional textiles production, including chapters on Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A dazzling array of images provides an unsurpassed visual representation of the textiles, while a detailed reference section with further reading, museums, and information on technical terms completes this essential guide.
Of All The Indian Handicrafts, Textiles Form A Class By Themselves Over Which The Rest Of The World Went Into Ecstasies From Time Immemorial.With An Enormous Store Of Myths, Symbols, Imagery And Inspiration From Other Art Forms Indian Textile-Craft Never Faced A Slump Or Stagnation. On The Other Hand It Transcended From A Craft Identity To The Status Of An Art.With Shades Of Classicism, Folk Tradition And Regional Flavour The Rich And Unrivalled Fabrics Of India Have Rightly Been Called Exquisite Poetry In Colour .Indian Fabric Art Can Be Classified Into Three Broad Categories Woven, Painted Or Printed And Embroidered. Within This Broad Outline The Present Study Pinpoints The Historical Background Of Some Representative Forms Each Unique In Its Distinctiveness.A Search For Any Linkage With Allied Art Forms As Well As Their Socio-Cultural Significance Also Provides A New Perspective.Though Apparently Widely Dispersed In Contents, They Form A Composite Tapestry Of Indian Fabric Art Tradition And Call For More Scrutiny Before Our Precious Heirlooms Are Totally Submerged In The Tide Of The Synthetic Era. The Book Is Enriched By Illustrations Of Rare Specimens Of Historical Art Fabrics Collected From Different Museums In The Country. Coupled With Extensive References This Volume Spotlights A New Facet Of Indian Art Heritage Which Will Fascinate Both The Social Scientists As Well As The Connoisseurs Of Indian Art And Culture.
Traditional Indian textiles are an embodiment of artistic expression, cultural heritage, and centuries-old craftsmanship. They serve as a tapestry of colors, patterns, and techniques that reflect the rich diversity and intricate tapestry of India's cultural landscape. Each textile tells a story, weaving together the threads of history, tradition, and creativity that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Indian textile traditions. This preface aims to delve into the captivating world of traditional Indian textiles, exploring their significance, beauty, and enduring legacy. It invites readers to embark on a journey through time, unraveling the captivating tales spun by skilled artisans and weavers across the length and breadth of India. India's textile heritage is a treasure trove of techniques and designs that have been nurtured for generations. From the delicate handwoven silk sarees of Varanasi to the intricate block prints of Rajasthan, from the vibrant tie-dye textiles of Gujarat to the ornate embroidery of Lucknow, each region boasts its own distinct textile tradition. These traditions not only bear witness to the artistic prowess of the artisans but also serve as a testament to the deep-rooted connection between textiles and Indian culture. Throughout history, Indian textiles have not only adorned the bodies of its people but have also played a pivotal role in religious rituals, social ceremonies, and daily life. The harmonious blend of colors, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the profound symbolism embedded in the textiles are a testament to the profound reverence for aesthetics and the interplay between tradition and innovation. In recent times, there has been a renewed appreciation for traditional Indian textiles, both within India and on the global stage. Designers, artists, and connoisseurs of textile arts are rediscovering the beauty and cultural significance of these textiles, incorporating them into contemporary fashion, interior design, and artistic creations. This revival not only brings these art forms into the limelight but also ensures the preservation of traditional skills and empowers the communities involved in their creation. Yet, as we celebrate the beauty and legacy of traditional Indian textiles, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. Globalization, modernization, and the relentless pursuit of mass production pose significant threats to the sustainability and preservation of these precious traditions. It is our collective responsibility to protect and promote these invaluable art forms, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the legacy of traditional Indian textiles. This preface sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the world of traditional Indian textiles, delving into their historical significance, cultural context, craftsmanship, and the efforts being made to preserve and promote them. Through this journey, we hope to foster a deep appreciation for the intricacies and beauty of these textiles, inspiring a renewed commitment to their preservation and promotion. Join us on this captivating voyage through the realms of traditional Indian textiles, where heritage meets artistry, and the threads of the past intertwine with the present to create an enduring legacy of beauty, culture, and tradition.
* Features Indian textiles pieces from the Karun Thakar Collection, and The Textile Museum and Cotsen Textile Traces Study Collection in Washington, DC* Published to accompany an exhibition at The Textile Museum at George Washington University in Washington, DC, opening January 2022The book features items from one of the world's foremost private collections of Indian textiles, the Karun Thakar Collection, together with key pieces from two recently united American collections, The Textile Museum and the Cotsen Textile Traces Study Collection in Washington, DC. The book and accompanying exhibition offer a unique approach to understanding Indian textile culture through reference to three distinct traditions: abstract, floral and figurative design.With essays by three leading international Indian textile curators, the publication's focus on textile ornament rather than date, region, usage, or technique provides new perspective and scholarship on this ancient artistic tradition. The book highlights the tradition's remarkable diversity, with objects ranging from folk embroideries to Mughal courtly weavings, and from early textiles traded to Egypt and Southeast Asia to 18th-century chintzes exported to Europe.
Shilpa and Praful Shah's outstanding textile collection is the only one in the Indian subcontinent with significant holdings in export market material, both for Europe and South-East Asia. This book covers the main categories of textiles included and key pieces are discussed in their wider historical and social context.
The outstanding textiles represented in this book were displayed at the Visvakarma series of exhibitions and have a wide-ranging vocabulary of design, technical skill and aesthetic brilliance. Written and edited by renwned names in textile design, this book is a treasure for both the textile aficionado and the designer.
