An Intricately Shape Resist Dyed Turban: Impossible-to-Fathom Traditional Technique

mid twentieth century
about 15 yards x 5 3/4", 13.7 m x 14.75 cm

This is a magnificent, shape resist dyed turban from Rajasthan, India which is made from light weight cotton, almost a gossamer weight: the cloth is finely woven and is almost translucent--just marvelous.

The dyeing, too, is marvelous: this gorgeous length of cloth was expertly dyed by pleating the cloth and then binding it before it was vat dyed. The pleating and binding and dyeing was done repeatedly and in a particular sequence in order to achieve the bold, colorful diagonal design that is so masterfully rendered.   

This diagonal design is called leheriya.  The coloration of this turban is a rich with a beautiful combination of pinks, reds, oranges, blues and neutral tones; the overall condition is fine: it has been worn, it is not pristine. Note the metallic gold threads to the one edge, shown.

A remarkable piece to study or to display, and one of the reasons traditional Indian textiles are still a constant inspiration to artisans around the world.

Recommended.