Description
Merrell Holberton 1999
4to pb 128pp F+. Published on the occasion of the exhibition 'Uncut Cloth: Saris, Shawls and Sashes' at the Paisley Museum and Art Galleries 19 June – 24 October 1999. 690 gms
(Order reference 15184)
Brilliantly coloured and intricately patterned draped garments are part of the cultural heritage of India and Pakistan. This illustrated survey of these textiles contains fine examples from public and private collections in India.
Invaluable source book, covering traditions, trading, and a section on the Paisley shawl.
Of the enormous range of textiles used in the South Asian subcontinent, for daily or ceremonial use, single lengths of uncut cloth are certainly the most versatile and the most popular In their diverse forms, they reflect the aesthetic ideals of the groups who live in this large geographical area. Evolution in style and adornment notwithstanding, the primary function of an unsewn length of cloth continues unchanged, whether as sari, shawl, waistcloth, turban, sash, spread or wrap. Draped garments worn by groups within the subcontinent were affected by influences from West and Central Asia that accompanied invasions, trade and immigrant groups before the first millennium BC. These influences may have led to the adoption of stitched garments such as trousers and jackets that were better suited to the newcomers' horse-riding culture and climate. Today the eastern and southern areas of the subcontinent continue to adhere to traditional styles of draped costume, principally the sari for women, with the loincloth (dhoti) and shoulder cloths (uttariya) for men, while the north and western regions have adopted stitched garments more widely.