Important Notice

CHAMBA, HIMACHAL PRADESH, CIRCA 1930

a) Handspun and handwoven cotton, hand embroidered with untwisted silk thread, natural dyes
28.5 x 29.5 in (73 x 75 cm)

b) Handspun and handwoven cotton, hand embroidered with untwisted silk thread, natural dyes
31.5 x 31.5 in (80 x 80 cm)

c) Handspun and handwoven cotton, hand embroidered with untwisted silk thread, natural dyes
29.75 x 30.25 in (76 x 77 cm)

(Set of three)


These three rumals feature renditions of the Ras Lila, and are embroidered in a more folk tradition than the Classical style seen in lots 6 and 24. Such rumals were embroidered by women from all strata of society-including royal families and households. While the basic aesthetics and themes remained the same, the subject, execution of the embroidery, fineness of the line, delineation of the figures and the choice of colours differed significantly.

Rumals embroidered in the folk style, as seen in the present lot, are vibrant and lively pictorial representations. The women drew the outlines for the designs themselves or worked the patterns directly onto the fabric. They show a more bold treatment of form and use more vibrant colours. There is a sense of unrestrained movement and abandonment, as is evident from the three rumals shown here.

Jasleen Dhamija acquired most of the Chamba rumals from the hill states of Mandi and Palampur.

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