Collections record Beta

Collection Record Detail

Object Name

Skirt/Sari

Object Number

1921-03-1

Description

Indian skirt or sari of cotton with silk embroidery and mirror work. Design features floral motifs of three-petaled yellow flowers, each with a single yellow diamond-shaped leaf and stem and two smaller dark green leaves. The flower centers contain small pieces of mirror. White dots are interspersed between the flowers, which are on a brown cotton ground. The ends feature wide bands of geometric forms in black and yellow and larger yellow floral motifs with long stems, both of which also feature mirror work. The two bands are bordered by a black and gold zigzag.

Provenance

The accession record contains a handwritten note by Emily Noyes Vanderpoel containing the history of the piece. She lists the sari as East Indian in origin, and notes that she purchased the piece from a dealer outside of India. However, most sources on mirror work (also known as shisha) indicate that the tradition was largely seen in Western India, specifically the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, as opposed to Eastern India. The record also indicates that the piece may have been added to the collection of the Needle and Bobbin Club of Litchfield.