Garment thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Garment

ca. 1855 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Length of silk, probably eri, with woven cotton red bands at either end.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk, cotton woven
Brief description
Textile, garment, possibly dhoti, silk, Nagaon, ca. 1855.
Physical description
Length of silk, probably eri, with woven cotton red bands at either end.
Dimensions
  • Length: 576cm (approx.)
  • Width: 104cm
Gallery label
  • ERI AND MUGA SILK Different species of silkworm produce different silks. Eri silk cannot be reeled so the fibres are spun like wool, giving the cloth a soft rather than silky surface. Eri is traditionally less prized than smoother silks. Muga silk filaments are reeled from the cocoon, and the result is smooth and shiny. This folded dhoti (waist-cloth) is still sewn up as it was when sent to the Paris Exhibition of 1855. It has not been opened since leaving India. Eri silk length Cachar, Assam, about 1855 V&A: 5513 (IS) Muga silk dhoti With weft-faced cotton bands Nagaon, Assam, about 1855 V&A: 5520 (IS) Muga silk dhoti With weft-faced cotton bands Gauhati, Assam, about 1855 V&A: 5524 (IS)(03/10/2015-10/01/2016)
Object history
Transferred from India Museum 1879.
Historical context
Intended for use as a garment, clothing.
Other number
3383 - India Museum Slip Book
Collection
Accession number
5520(IS)

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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