[03/10/2015-10/01/2016]
ERI AND MUGA SILK
Different species of silkworm produce different silks. Eri silk cannot be reeled so the fibres are spun like wool, giving the cloth a soft rather than silky surface. Eri is traditionally less prized than smoother silks. Muga silk filaments are reeled from the cocoon, and the result is smooth and shiny. This folded dhoti (waist-cloth) is still sewn up as it was when sent to the Paris Exhibition of 1855. It has not been opened since leaving India.
Eri silk length
Cachar, Assam, about 1855
V&A: 5513 (IS)
Muga silk dhoti
With weft-faced cotton bands
Nagaon, Assam, about 1855
V&A: 5520 (IS)
Muga silk dhoti
With weft-faced cotton bands
Gauhati, Assam, about 1855
V&A: 5524 (IS) [03/10/2015-10/01/2016]