Galerie Ariana
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1960 item #1094956 (stock #SR001)
Galerie Ariana
$2,500.00
Patchwork quilts ("rilhi") are among the finest folk art coverlets in Pakistan. Sindhis have traditionally used them as ground covers at outdoor Sufi religious festivals. This rilhi is from Thatta and measures 75 1/2 inches by 95 inches. It is dated to the mid 20th century. Condition is excellent (no holes, stains, nor repairs).
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1177496 (stock #SK001)
Galerie Ariana
$2,500.00
A woman's shift ("kurta") from Swat in vivid pink silk embroidery with green and purple accents on a black cotton background. This kurta has exceptionally fine cross-stitch embroidery at the sleeves, suggesting a link with Indus Kohistan. Indeed, it is not uncommon for embroidered panels for dresses from Indus Kohistan to be found in the markets of Swat (see Nasreen Askari, Colours of the Indus, © 1997). This kurta measures 73 inches across the top by 32 1/2 inches from the top hem to the bottom hem. The underarm gusset measures 3 1/4 x 4 1/2. This beautiful textile dates to the mid 20th century.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1980 item #1118857 (stock #BK01)
Galerie Ariana
$1,800.00
In Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon (Dzongkha), the time spent in embroidering textiles is considerable and can involve as much as a year for certain ceremonial textiles such as this one with a black background, called a "napsham". Surprisingly, the intricacy of the woven design elements that closely resemble embroidery is created on looms, mostly backstrap looms. This textile measures 97 x 243 cm including the fringes and is embroidered in cotton yarn on a raw silk ground. Condition is near perfect albeit with some slight fading. Mid to late 20th century.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1096002 (stock #HK001)
Galerie Ariana
$1,200.00
Abstract floral patterns combine with medallion motifs in shades of dark red and pink in this kameez from the Hazara district, North West Frontier Province (recently re-named Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Silk floss on cotton (a handwoven coarse cloth called khaddar), the embroidery is in the characteristic phulkari stitch which resembles a satin stitch but only on the front side. Each cuff has an embroidered band in brick stitch. The tunic measures 37 1/2 x 68 inches while each sleeve measures 27 1/2 inches from the hem. Dated to the early or mid 20th century, its condition is very good except for some stains around the gussets and on the back.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1119559 (stock #SM001)
Galerie Ariana
$950.00
This man's wedding shawl (known as "malir", or "doshalo") is from Tharparker district in Sindh province and would be a gift from a bride and her family to the groom for his wedding day attire. It is basically an embroidered "ajrak", meaning a red handspun, mordant-dyed, resist-printed cotton, embroidered in the four corners with stylized peacocks symbolizing fertility, and randomly placed mirrors ("shisha") as accents. The embroidery is a combination of ladder stitch, satin stitch and chain stitch in silk thread, with some couching. These wedding shawls were originally produced in the village of Malir in the Tharparker district and are still being made in other villages of Tharparker. Estimated age: mid to late 20th century. The textile measures 59.5 x 93 inches (151.1 x 236.2 cm) and is in pristine condition.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1950 item #1119170 (stock #KK003)
Galerie Ariana
$850.00
This embroidered shirt panel is typical of the traditional embroidery of Kandahar ("khamak") in its limited range of colors and its depiction of geometric motifs of traditional Islamic art. Silk thread in extremely delicate satin stitch in counted-thread technique on a fine silk background which has been stitched to a cotton linen. It measures 38 x 43.5 cm and is dated to the early 20th century. Condition excellent, only two inconspicuous stains on one side.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1180796 (stock #JS002)
Galerie Ariana
$750.00
This lady's shawl from the Hazara region in Pakistan measures 105 x 224 cm including the fringes. The geometric patterns are hand-embroidered in straight stitching in vivid pink floss-silk with touches of light pink, outlined in yellow double running stitch on a black wool ground. The shawl is dated to the late 20th century and is in perfect condition.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1970 item #1119480 (stock #KK002)
Galerie Ariana
$750.00
Measuring 15.5 x 16 inches (39.4 x 40.6 cm), this textile from Kandahar, Afghanistan is embroidered in silk thread embroidery on a fine silk ground which is stitched onto a fine cotton linen panel. Depicting eight pointed star and rosette motifs in exquisitely fine satin stitching in counted-thread technique, the sheen of the silk is worked so that the light catches it in different settings, a characteristic feature of the embroidery ("khamak") of Kandahar. This textile is dated to the early to mid 20th century. Condition is almost perfect with only two stains on one side.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1980 item #1179725 (stock #BC001)
Galerie Ariana
$500.00
A king-sized cotton duvet cover from Nepal, measuring 111 x 74½" inches (43.7 x 29.3 cm) in purple, red and green. The viúvavajra ("crossed vajra") and chevron motifs are depicted in wool thread in chain stitch. Condition: Excellent. The vajra (meaning diamond or thunderbolt) is believed to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power and is displayed in the national emblem of Bhutan.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1980 item #1179718 (stock #NW01)
Galerie Ariana
$500.00
A pair of hand-carved window frames from Bhaktapur, an ancient Newar city in the Kathmandu Valley. They measure 44 x 45.5 cm and are dated to the late 20th century. Woodwork has been part of Nepal’s traditional architecture and wood carvings have graced temples, monasteries, residential homes and palaces since the twelfth century, although the earliest surviving temple decorated with wood carvings, bears the date 1396. Another traditional architectural site, which is believed to have been built as a shelter for travellers in Kathmandu that still stands, was believed to date back to before 1143 but there is no evidence of its true date. In fact, the history of woodcarving in Nepal is older than that. Woodcarving in Nepal is an excellent example of Newari art. The Newari language comprises of a rich vocabulary of wood carving terms. Each component forms a part of a traditional pattern. Each detail of the craft has a name. The decorative work has to be very precise so that the countless pieces used to make up the pattern fit perfectly, because no glue or nails are used. Historic sources name a kind of wood called Dhusi or Chasi, meaning in Newari "as strong as a tiger". Today mainly agarth, chapa & sal wood is used, as there is plenty in and around the valley. Wood has been the traditional building material in the Valley not only used to form the heavy framework, which forms the essential part of the structure but beams, struts, pillars and roof supports. All the available wood surfaces on the buildings, including doors, windows, cornices, lintels and brackets are formed and carved into decorative patterns of geometrical, floral, animal and human forms.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1980 item #1144025 (stock #TB01)
Galerie Ariana
$350.00
This Tibetan wool sash measures 12.7 cm x 340.4 cm in length including the silky fringes. The tigma (cross) motif is an ancient good luck charm among Tibetans and here it is depicted in a discontinuous weft pattern design. These sashes are traditionally worn to secure the traditional Tibetan attire called a chuba. The high lustre of the wool is attributed to the high lanolin content of the goat wool in the high altitude regions of the Tibetan plateau. The last photo shows a typical loom on which these sashes are woven. Condition: Excellent. Mid to late 20th century.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1960 item #1072737 (stock #SC006)
Galerie Ariana
$350.00
Dated to the mid 20th century, this cushion cover (thakia) measures 15¼ inches x 30 inches (38.7 cm x 76.2 cm). As the Hazara district is situated between Punjab and Swat, the embroidery of this area is stylistically very similar to that of the Swat Valley. However, these pieces are generally more complex in design and construction. This piece is embroidered on both sides with silk on a cotton background in a predominantly geometric pattern. On one side, the space is stabilized by two center diamonds and an elaborate grid of squares and diagonals with the borders in perfect symmetry. These embroidery patterns are very dense and tightly constructed, with strategic touches of color and the utilization of negative space to maximum effect. The other side is embroidered in varous shades of pink, purple and sage green silk threads in a predominantly fine satin stitch counted-thread work on a mustard yellow background. These pillow covers are traditionally made for weddings. The condition of the textile is very good with no stains but some slight discoloration on the yellow side.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1185274 (stock #KJ003)
Galerie Ariana
$350.00
Measuring 29 x 37 cm this child's waistcoat is from Indus Kohistan. Condition is excellent, and it dates to the mid 20th century. The embroidery technique is straight stitch in silk thread on a black cotton background, embellished with white glass beads and buttons. Kohistan has a rich local history as a crossroads between Central, South and Southwestern Asia. Predominantly inhabited by Dardic and Pashtun tribes since ancient times, Kohistan has been invaded and contested by Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Kushans, Turks, Mughals, and the British.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1970 item #1072762 (stock #SC004)
Galerie Ariana
$350.00
Typical of the mountainous Swat valley in northern Pakistan, this cushion cover ("thakia" in Urdu) is distinguished by a purple cotton background embroidered in a bright pink, with yellow and sage highlights. This amazing piece measures 14 1/8 inches x 30 inches (36.1 cm x 76.2 cm). Swati embroidery patterns are traditionally handed down from mother to daughter and these are the typical color contrasts. In Swat, the embroidery is called bagh, meaning flower garden. Elsewhere in Pakistan it is called phulkari, an Urdu word derived from phul, meaning flower. Swati textiles like this one ultimately express a local aesthetic. This piece is embroidered with floss silk in a predominantly geometric pattern, with the space stabilized by two centered diamonds and decorated with borders in perfect symmetry. Swati embroidery patterns are typically dense and tightly constructed, breaking up the surface plane as no other Pakistani folk tradition does. These pillow covers are traditionally made for weddings. There are button closures on the end opening and four tassles at each corner. The condition of the textile is excellent. Circa second half of 20th century.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1179705 (stock #SC005)
Galerie Ariana
$350.00
Depicting curling horned and star patterns, this wedding textile from the Hazara district of Pakistan, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as NWFP) is densely embroidered in silk floss thread on a black cotton ground. It measures 70 x 77.5 cm and is in excellent condition. The motifs are curvilinear and embroidered in dark red in a combination of satin stitch and long and short stitch, outlined with a top stitch of golden silk floss. Estimated age: late 20th century.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1181708 (stock #MS01)
Galerie Ariana
$350.00
Embroidered in vivid turquoise silk floss with a top stitch of golden silk floss, this woman's shawl ("phulkari") from Swat Valley measures 97 cm x 198 cm and is in excellent condition. The designs are stylized rosettes with densely embroidered borders and a medallion motif in the center. Black is the dominant color for the background of Swati embroideries, which share many motifs in common with the embroidery from Hazara district. The unique motifs on this wedding shawl suggest Chinese influence and similar stylized floral patterns are found on Tibetan scrolls. The curvilinear motifs and dense areas of stitchery are composed of the characteristic "phulkari" stitch which resembles a satin stitch but only on the front side. It is embroidered from the reverse side on a plainwoven coarse cloth known as "khaddar". This shawl is estimated to date to the late 20th century.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Pre 1980 item #1070642 (stock #SC001)
Galerie Ariana
$350.00
Typical of the mountainous Swat valley in northern Pakistan, this cushion cover is distinguished by the black cotton background embroidered in a zinging, shocking pink. This amazing piece measures 12¼ inches x 32 inches (31.1. cm x 81.3 cm). Swati embroidery patterns are traditionally handed down from mother to daughter and these are the typical color contrasts. In Swat, the embroidery is called bagh or flower garden. Elsewhere in Pakistan it is called phulkari, an Urdu word derived from phul, meaning flower. Swati textiles like this one ultimately express a local aesthetic. This piece is embroidered with floss silk in a predominantly geometric pattern, with the space stabilized by two centered medallions and decorated with borders in perfect symmetry. Swati embroidery patterns are typically dense and tightly constructed, breaking up the surface plane as no other Pakistani folk tradition does. The embroidery is exquisitely fine satin stitch counted-thread work in silk thread. These cushion covers are traditionally made for weddings. The condition of the textile is excellent. The last enlargement was taken of the reverse side of the piece showing the intricate embroidery.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1980 item #1147777 (stock #TB02)
Galerie Ariana
$300.00
Measuring 8 x 116 inches (20.3 x 294.6 cm) including the braided fringes, this woven wool sash from Tibet is in excellent condition. The sash is a dark bergundy with indigo stripes and orange thread sewn along the edges to prevent fraying. Estimated age: mid to late 20th century. These sashes are called kaabo and are traditionally used to tie and secure the national attire called chuba for women, lokpa for men (see enlargement #5, courtesy of Thomas Laird and Peter Matthiessen, East of Lo Manthang © 1995). The high lustre of the wool is attributed to the high lanolin content of the goat wool in the high altitude regions of the Tibetan plateau. The last enlargement is a photo by Heinrich Harrer depicting a traditional loom on which these sashes are woven (Ladakh, © 1988).