J.H.Terry

Textiles of the Banjara | Semi-Antique Banjara 'Kachali'

SOLD A fabulous example of a 'kachali' or women's backless blouse, circa 1940's or before, Banjara community, Karnataka, South India. This stunning blouse has been finely embroidered, pieced, appliqued and embellished with mica mirrors, lead beads and discs, tassels and cotton tufts. The 'chhati', or rectangular pieces covering the breats are worked with extremely fine embroidery and wonderful leaded tassels. It is rare to find these still intact. All the colors appear to be organically dyed from natural dye stuffs, such as madder and indigo. The inner lining is a beautiful printed handspun cotton. This 'kachali' is truly a work of art. The condition is nealy mint, with only a few missing tassels and mica mirrors. This piece measures 24"sleeve to sleeve end, x 19"ht. x 17" spread across the bottom. A rare and collectable example in near pristine condition. SOLD