Important Notice

SINDH (NOW PAKISTAN), CIRCA 1930
Handspun and handwoven cotton, applique and patchwork, natural dyes
45.5 x 78.5 in (116 x 200 cm)


The present lot was acquired from Sam village, near Jaisalmer, by Jasleen Dhamija in 1958. The colourful and striking applique and patchwork quilt, is known as a ralli and is used as a bed covering. Rallis are a specialty of Sindh, in the Indus Valley, where every region and community had a distinctive style. Sam village lay along the trade routes between northern India and Sindh, and goods were carried through here to the seaports of India and also on to Central Asia.

An integral part of the life of Sindh, rallis were made as quilted coverings for beds and baby cots, cushion covers, fashioned into cradles, as well as for doorway and wall hangings. Made by women, they were a sign of her workmanship and formed a part of the belongings that accompanied her to her new home when she married. Many of the geometric patterns are said to be inspired by those found on pottery from Pirak and Mehrgarh, both in present day Balochistan, dating to 4,000 BC. The present lot appears to be the work of a very innovative woman. Each cutwork pattern of the square is distinctive and gives an extraordinary variation to the overall design of the quilt.

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