410
A Finely Embroidered Silk Dress,
Kutch, Gujarat, India, Early 20th Century
Estimate:
€1,500 - 2,000

Complete Description

A Finely Embroidered Silk Dress,
Kutch, Gujarat, India, Early 20th Century

Finement brodée en fils de soie polychrome sur soie grenat, à motifs géométriques et floraux, la broderie réhaussée de petits miroirs, usures d’usage, tâches.

Dim. : 120 x 112 cm 

Comment:

Among the finest and most elaborate embroideries of the Indian subcontinent, those from the Kutch region in Gujarat are characterised by a technique known as Abhla Bharat, recognisable for its chain stitch and the extensive use of mirrors. Refined by several communities, particularly Muslim ones, this craft developed into a sophisticated art combining coloured or printed silk, varied stitching techniques, and mirror inlay. Produced without preparatory drawings, these embroideries adorn high-quality garments worn on special occasions, as demonstrated by the complexity of these embroidered bodices.

Several examples have been sold in recent auctions, including at Artcurial, Paris, 18 November 2025, lot 262, and at Olympia Auctions, The Pip Rau Collection, London, 1 March 2026, lot 73.

Auctioneer

Matthieu FOURNIER
Auctioneer
Tel. +33 1 42 99 20 26
mfournier@artcurial.com

Contacts

Lamia IÇAME
Sale Administrator
Tel. +33 1 42 99 20 75
licame@artcurial.com

Bids Office

Kristina Vrzests
Tel. +33 1 42 99 20 51
bids@artcurial.com

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