Important Notice

CHAMBA, HIMACHAL PRADESH, CIRCA 1930
Handspun and handwoven cotton, hand embroidered with untwisted silk thread, double-sided, natural dyes
25.5 x 26.25 in (65 x 67 cm)

This asymmetrically patterned, five colour rumal is a fine example of traditional embroidery with a classic floral motif. At the centre is a yellow circle, symbolising the sun, surrounded by a ring of flowers and leaves. Made in the double-sided dorukha technique, each of the flowers and leaves are outlined in black stem stitch. Floral motifs were common in Chamba embroidery. With little fixed iconography to work from, the women were free to embroider as they pleased, and took design elements from the landscape around them. Flowers symbolised abundance and prosperity. Rumals devoid of figural motifs, such as the present lot, were probably made in keeping with Islamic precepts of non-iconic art.

CHAMBA, HIMACHAL PRADESH, CIRCA 1930
Handspun and handwoven cotton, hand embroidered with untwisted silk thread, double-sided, natural dyes
25.5 x 26.25 in (65 x 67 cm)

This asymmetrically patterned, five colour rumal is a fine example of traditional embroidery with a classic floral motif. At the centre is a yellow circle, symbolising the sun, surrounded by a ring of flowers and leaves. Made in the double-sided dorukha technique, each of the flowers and leaves are outlined in black stem stitch. Floral motifs were common in Chamba embroidery. With little fixed iconography to work from, the women were free to embroider as they pleased, and took design elements from the landscape around them. Flowers symbolised abundance and prosperity. Rumals devoid of figural motifs, such as the present lot, were probably made in keeping with Islamic precepts of non-iconic art.