EMBELLISHMENT
Both natural and man-made products are used to decorate textiles in India. Mirror-work (associated with western India and Pakistan) is perhaps the best known. Embroiderers also sew the wing-cases of ‘jewel beetles’ (Bupestridae) on to fabric to dazzling effect. European glass beads are used to embellish garments and household objects, while minerals such as mica can be ground up and printed with adhesive onto fabric.
Mica-printed jacket
Cotton, mirror-work and adhesive-printed mica powder
Satara, Maharashtra, about 1855
V&A: 6558 (IS)
Mirror-work choli (bodice)
Cotton embroidered with silk and mirror-work
Kutch, Gujarat, about 1900
Given by Mrs A.R. Ditmas.
V&A: IS.55-1957
Hat
Cotton with glass beads
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, about 1855
V&A: 0345 (IS)
Border for a dress
Cotton muslin with beetle wing-cases and gilded silver
Possibly Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, about 1850
Given by Mrs Mary Gordon.
V&A: IS.486-1992 [03/10/2015-10/01/2016]