Sash (patka), woven wool (pashmina) embroidered with woollen thread, depicting figures and animals in and amongst large butas, Srinagar, ca.1830; Textiles; Accessories

Red wool (pashmina) sash (patka), plain ground, with deep ends elaborately embroidered with figures and animals in two registers divided by thin floral borders; a narrow top register with a parade of figures in a line, and large central register with figures embroidered in and around large paisley cones (butas). Thin woven borders with a scrolling floral motif run along each side of the sash.

Bequeathed by Mrs Marian Lewis

Register entry includes copy of Miss Nicholas' (from whom received) letter (R.P.M. 2634/07) of the 17th June 1907, and of the enclosure therein - "To the Keepers of the Victoria and Albert Musem - Gentlemen, This letter [enclosed] was written two years ago under the impression Sir E. Maunde Thompson was the director of the Department for fabrics. Should you like to see the shawl? It is a wonderful piece of fine work, I could easily send it up to you. The shawl is in a very good state of preservation & Sir E. Maunde Thompson thinks you would be pleased to accept it. Mrs. Lewis has lately died but she made her gifts to the nation two years ago & left instructions for her wishes to be carried out immediately after her death. There is no bequest in her Will it was all done before. It was my mistake putting Thompson. Yours faithfully, Gwen Nicholas' - Enclosure: 'To Sir. E. Mounde Thompson - Dear Sir, If you would accept this shawl embroidered with the Persian story of Rustem as a gift to the Museum V&A I should be pleased to present it. It is supposed to be 1000 years old and came into the possession of my late husband John Frederick Lewis R.A. when he as in Constantinople in about 1840 or 41. Yoursa faithfully, Marian Lewis'

501-1907