Antique Traditional Silk Embroidered Indigo Phulkari Panel : early C20th Hissar District, Punjab

Item Details.
A large size panel of traditional hand indigo ‘khaddar’ hand loomed cotton cloth displaying Phulkari work of the Bishnui caste of Bhantinda/Hissar District, Punjab, hand embroidered with glossy terracotta gold and yellow floss silk Phulkari work with embroidered mirror work.

Phulkari translating as literally field of flowers, these panels were made originally as ‘Gaghra’ or skirt panels which would have been gathered into a waist band and tied around the waist.

This panel has been made from at least two skirt panels hand stitched together. It has lovely embroidered camels as part of the pattern which I haven’t seen in one of these before.

This hanging reminds me strongly of a night sky with stars, and they look wonderfully atmospheric hanging in an interior room setting catching the light.
They make excellent interior projects and work well as curtain panels with wide plain linen borders down either side.

Panel measurements:
180 x 135cm

Condition.
As old and loved textiles there are some flaws, small holes, historic repairs, the patina of age and signs of wear are to be expected and are part of the textiles history.