Textile length decorated with beetle wings, India
Object No. 506
Textile length, embroidered cotton / beetle wing / metallic gold thread, India, acquired 1883
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Summary
Physical Description
Textile length, embroidered cotton / beetle wing / metallic gold thread, India, acquired 1883
DIMENSIONS
Height
1025 mm
Width
790 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Towards the end of the 19th century, Indian embroiderers turned towards exotic forms of decoration to satisfy the European demand for novelty. In Madras and Hyderabad, embroiderers began to use irridescent green beetle wings as spangles on a variety of textiles, including table linen, covers and for fashion wear. Probably made in the Madras or Hyderabad areas of India. To secure the fragile beetle wings, they were usually pierced with a fine retaining thread.
HISTORY
Notes
The delicate weight of the fabric suggests that this embroidery was made for attachment to a woman's clothing as decoration. It is typical of its type, which was often made for the export market.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1883
Acquisition Date
28 February 1883
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