A Hand Embroidered Gujarati Bag: Indiginous Charan Caste

ca. mid twentieth century
21" x 13", 53.25 cm x 33 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 made of repurposed cottons, and 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: 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.