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John Forbes Watson, The Textile Manufactures and the Costumes of the People of India with plates, exhibiting numerous coloured photographs, etc., London: Wm. H. Allen & Co., 1867

pp. xxi + 174 including 9 tipped-in hand colored albumen photographs + 1 black and white plate + 1 photo and chromo-lithographed plate + 1 photo-lithographed plate; rebound in half leather with new spine and in original cloth bound cover
15 x 11 x 1 in (38 x 28 x 3 cm)

Ex-library copy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston with a withdrawal stamp. This work was originally printed for the India Office in 1866 by Eyre and Spottiswoode.

List of Plates: Turbans - Plain and coloured; Turbans - Ornamented &c.; Male attire - Cotton; Male attire - Cotton and silk; Female attire - Cotton &c.; Female attire - Muslins, silk &c.; Male attire - Woollens and Skins; Male attire - Cashmere shawls, chogas, &c.; Ornamental drawing on "choga" of cashmere cloth; Cotton carpet; Carpets and Rugs; Processes in the manufacture of Dacca Muslins

Dr. John Forbes Watson (1827-1892) was a British civil servant, archaeologist, ethnologist, and art historian. He was born in Scotland and studied at the University of Edinburgh. Watson began his career as a civil servant in India in 1849 and served in various positions until his retirement in 1886. During his time in India, he developed an interest in Indian archaeology, art, and ethnography, and he conducted extensive research in these fields.

He was a British physician who began working for the Bombay Medical Service in 1850. In 1858, he was appointed Director of The India Museum in London, as well as Reporter for Indian Products at the India Office. He held the posts until 1879. He participated in the Indian portions of International Exhibitions staged in Europe, notably those held in London in 1862, Paris in 1867, and Vienna in 1873.

During his time working for the India Office and the India Museum, he came up with the concept of a "portable industrial museum," which resulted in the publication of the Collections of the Textile Manufactures of India (first series 1866, second series 1872-1877; London) and its companion volume, the present lot The Textile Manufactures and the Costumes of the People of India (1866; London).

Because of his interest in ethnography together with John William Kaye he edited Meadows Taylor's People of India, re-published by the India Museum in London (1868-1875). He was also active in the creation and classification of various sorts of cotton, which resulted in knowledge of which cotton was simple to gin and which was difficult.

John Forbes Watson was an important figure in the development of the study of Indian art, archaeology, and ethnography. His publications and research continue to be a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in these fields.

The Textile manufactures and the costumes of the people of India is considered a significant work in the field of textile history and is highly regarded for its accuracy and detail. The book was widely praised by contemporary scholars and continues to be a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the history of Indian textiles and clothing.

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