About Book
This magnificently illustrated and deeply researched volume takes the reader on a journey throughout the Indian subcontinent to explore the history and traditions of its textiles.
India's rich and vibrant textile tradition boasts an enormous range of techniques and extraordinary level of artistry. Drawn from one of the world's finest collections of Indian textiles, this book presents a fascinating overview of several centuries of artistic production from every corner of India. Each section examines a different region to reveal its distinct textile traditions, patterns, and processes: Patola silks from Gujarat, lampas weaves preserved in Tibetan temples, mordant resist dyed cottons exported to Indonesia, silk saris from Murshidabad and embroideries from rural Bengal and Punjab. The book also delves into the roles that textiles have played in daily life over the centuries, from household and dowry textiles to devotional pieces and exquisite materials crafted for rich patrons. Each object is photographed from multiple angles and reproduced in meticulous detail. Many of the antique pieces featured here are
exceedingly rare, which makes this book an invaluable resource. Gorgeously illustrated, this volume makes a stunning gift for anyone interested in the history and craftmanship of one of the world's oldest textile traditions
About Author
HELMUT AND HEIDI NEUMANN began collecting textiles in the 1970s and have traveled extensively in India and the Himalayas. They are regular contributors at academic conferences in the fields of Tibetan and Indian art. They also collect textiles from Indonesia, Morocco, and China.
ROSEMARY CRILL is former Senior Curator of South Asian Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where she specialized in Indian textiles and paintings. She has curated shows for London's National Portrait Gallery and authored publications which explore Indian textiles, portraiture, painting, and embroidery.