Skip to main content

Chope Phulkari

20th century
Artist/maker unknown, Punjabi

This is a special type of wedding phulkari known as a chope, characterized by its large size and the use of a stepped double running stitch that creates the same pattern on both sides of the cloth. The thread is most often gold-colored to represent prosperity and the khaddar (hand woven cloth) is always deep red to symbolize health and fertility (red being the auspicious wedding color used throughout South Asia). Traditionally a chope is made soon after a girl’s birth by either her maternal grandmother or her mother and presented to her at the time of her wedding by her maternal grandmother or uncle.


Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.