Woman's Wedding Tunic (Chola)

Currently not on view

Woman's Wedding Tunic (Chola)

Mid- 20th century

Artist/maker unknown, Pakistani

A Pakistani bride of the Hindu Lohana group would have worn this tunic with full trousers and a head-covering shawl. Part of the rich regional tradition of domestic embroidery made for personal or familial use, the tunic is almost completely covered with dense, geometric embroidery. The mirror work developed from the original practice of using natural mica from the desert; the specially made pieces of blown glass now used are not pierced, but are held securely in place by embroidery stitches.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Woman's Wedding Tunic (Chola)

Date:

Mid- 20th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Pakistani

Medium:

Silk satin and silk twill with silk and metallic thread embroidery in buttonhole, chain, square chain, and couching stitches; with mirrors, metallic sequins, cotton braid, and cotton lace

Dimensions:

35 x 22 inches (88.9 x 55.9 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Dr. David R. Nalin and Dr. Richard Nalin, 1998

Accession Number:

1998-102-5

Geography:

Made in Pakistan, Asia

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Currently not on view