1925 Antique Indian Trade Textile Print Toraja Fragment

Large complete fragment of an Indian Trade textile collected in Toraja

NOTE: THIS TEXTILE HAS NOT BEEN IRONED PRIOR TO PHOTOGRAPHY FOR FEAR OF DAMAGING IT

Depicts a geometric and floral motifs print on a thick coarse cloth. Such patterns placed inside squares in a checkerboard format are seen in Gujarat in bridal saris - the Panetar and the Gharcholu. Further, the borders along the end panels and edges are similar to patterns we see in Thailand textiles today. 

Fabulous color that is heavily faded. [Two images of the complete txtile have been shown - taken in different lighting]

Fabulous hand-spun yarn.

Is quite likely stencil-printed in Gujarat

Fragmentary state that needs to be mounted on a backing cloth or board to preserve it. 

Complete cloths - even with damage - are hard to come by. 

Collected on a field visit to Toraja, Sulawesi. 

216 x 89 cm

Comparison with other similar examples suggests that this is pre 1900.

[Similar examples have been dated to be from the 13th - 19th century]

For similar examples see

1) The Ashmolean Museum collection: Link

2) The Kelsey Museum collection in Ann Arbor: Link

3) 'Master Dyers to the World' by Mattiebelle Gittinger

This is a rare opportunity to own something as rare and as old as this fantastic little work of art that had traveled from India to Toraja sometime in it's past and then has back to Singapore. 

VERY RARE

Such pieces can be found only in museums.

Mount it or frame  it and add it to your home-museum collection.