Antique Sheesha, Mirror Embroidery, 156 X 208 Cm, Gujarat, India, 1970, Very Good Condition

There was a time when many people made the great journey to India, crossing every border without a hitch.
How times have changed! From the collection of a former hippie, a tireless traveler who spent many years in India and reverently preserved these textiles.
A magnificent antique example of mirror embroidery, called Sheesha in India, circa 1970.
Textiles that bear no resemblance to those of today.
From a collection of nine pieces.

This type of embroidery is done on colored cotton fabric using cross-stitch with insets of small round mirrors.
Modern or contemporary art before its time, depicting landscapes or villages.
This craft originated in Persia in the 13th century, demonstrating the antiquity of this technique, and was introduced to India during the Mughal period around the 17th century.
Kathiawar and Kach are important centers of chain stitch embroidery.
The most characteristic work can be seen on old satin and cotton skirts embroidered with the most brilliant silks, scattered with flowers and borders of flowers and birds.
Many places in Rajputana and Punjab are renowned for embroidered bodices.
In almost all of these works, countless small pieces of mirrored glass are used, forming part of the design and attached with a circle using buttonhole stitch.
The quantity of glass is sometimes so great that the weight of the garment makes it uncomfortable.
This type of work is also found in Afghanistan, but with a slightly different technique.

Dimensions: 156 cm (61") x 208 cm (82") very good condition.
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REF WINSTEIN 1483 / 2 red