Fine, Embroidered Bagh Phulkari Textile

This unusual, fine textile is from the Sikh regions of the Punjab. It comprises four terracotta-red homespun cotton panels that have been sewn together by hand. The pieces have been densely embroidered with striking, bright, straw-yellow silk threads and silk threads of other colours in various geometric patterns and wheat sheaf motifs. The embroidery is so dense that the cotton base cloth is barely visible, and as such it is known as a bagh phulkari. ‘Bagh‘ literally means ‘garden’ – a phulkari that is covered with solid embroidery.

Phulkaris were worn by women all over Punjab during marriage festivals and other festive occasions. They tended to be embroidered by women for their own of other family members’ use rather than were bought in the markets. Phulkaris often were presented to brides at the time of marriage.

The textile is in fine condition and is without repairs, tears or insect damage. There is some age-related discolouration here and there, but it is bright and robust.

 

Related phulkaris shown in March 2017 at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, London, as part of the ‘Embroidered Tales and Woven Dreams’ exhibition.