Historically, embroidered textiles have reflected the wealth and influence of rulers, courtiers, and favored courtesans. Among South Asia’s many peoples, they frequently identified family origins, personal status, and religious affiliation. With the increasing availability of imported and machine-made goods, urbanization, and changes in patterns of traditional life, some varieties of embroidery have all but disappeared. Others have survived, albeit in new forms, or have been revived in an effort to keep these handmade arts alive.

Color and Light: South Asian Embroidery is drawn entirely from the Textile Museum of Canada’s rich holdings of South Asian textiles.

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