A Colorfully Embroidered Indian Folk Art Bag: Charan Caste of Gujarat
ca. mid twentieth century
19 1/2" x 12", 49.5 cm x 30.5 cm
What a magnificent, exuberant Indian folk textile which comes from the Charan community of the state of Gujarat.
This is an embroidered cotton bag, of good size, and it is decorated with three, full, dyed wool pompoms. The cotton which comprises the body of the bag seems to be re-purposed and it also seems to be hand spun and hand woven. It shows the patina from a great deal of wear as well as some small stains, also from wear.
The stitched embroidery is simply fascinating and charming and it shows some abrasion and loss: this bag is a standard variety among the Charan people, and countless and subtle variations on it exist.
The bag is still quite sturdy and usable; its strap is machine stitched to the bag and is a recent addition.
Just wonderful.