This gorgeous textile celebrates Ganesh, the Hindu god of letters and learning. (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha) I believe that it is from the state of Gujurat, which has a rich tradition in embroidery.

The backing is old, faded yellow cotton. The embroidery threads in the center of the piece are silk and many have worn away, creating a delicate effect. The embroidered threads used to border the piece are cotton and thicker. Shisha mirrors decorate the piece all over.

Textiles like these were often embroidered as part of a dowry that a young woman and her family would work on for years before marriage. Embroidery has also been a vibrant cottage industry selling to traders, the tourist market and to locals for hundreds of years.

Estimated age: 1950's Price: $275

Dimensions: 23" wide x 25" long
Metric: 58.5 x 63.5 cm

Shipping is free on this piece, worldwide.

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on US orders over $100 and up to $20 credit on shipping costs for international orders over $100. The international shipping prices quoted are an estimated price with the discount included. There may need to be an adjustment depending on what the actual price turns out to be.

My member profile here on TAFA has links to my website and the other places I'm on the web. Click on the Rayela Art link at the top of this page to get there.