Antique mirror-work embroidery, Gujarat, India

Antique mirror-work embroidery, Gujarat, India.

It comes from the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. Historically, Kutch embroidery is said to have been made by the „Kathi cattle herders, who were brought by the mythological figure „karma” of the Mahabharata. These nomads eventually settled and became known for their highly elaborate and very fine stitching. The craft became a vocation for the women of Kutch, the skills passed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter. The distinctive feature of the coloured embroidery is the small mirrors, called abi, sewn on in various ways. Much of Kutch embroidery is influenced by various architectural patterns and motifs. The embroidered cloths are used for festive occasions and for adorning deities. Animals and figures of gods and goddesses have an important place in the designs.

Condition as shown in the photographs.

Dimensions 25x27 cm.