Textiles of India

【Book Description】

India’s Textiles offers a comprehensive exploration of India’s rich, diverse, and centuries-old textile traditions, highlighting their extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship. Drawn from one of the world’s finest collections of Indian textiles, this volume spans several centuries of creative production and presents the distinctive textile practices from across the subcontinent, providing readers with a panoramic cultural and artistic journey.

Organized by region, the book examines the unique techniques and styles that define each area. Examples include the intricate Patola silks of Gujarat, lampas weaves preserved in Tibetan monasteries, mordant-resist dyed cottons once exported to Indonesia, silk saris from Murshidabad, and exquisite embroideries from rural Bengal and Punjab. These works not only demonstrate technical mastery but also reflect the distinctive aesthetics and cultural contexts of their origins.

The book also explores the many roles textiles have played in Indian society, from household use and dowry fabrics to ceremonial and devotional cloths, as well as sumptuous pieces commissioned by wealthy patrons. Each object is documented with high-quality, multi-angle photography that captures textures, colors, and intricate details. Many of the antique examples featured are exceedingly rare, making this volume both a scholarly resource and a collector’s treasure.

【Details】

Authors: Helmut Neumann, Heidi Neumann, Rosemary Crill
Publisher: Prestel
Dimensions: 35 × 27 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 484 pages