Kutch Kurta Embroidered with Metal Thread

This shape of tunic is known as a kurta. It is worn by the Muslim women of Northern and Western India and would probably have been worn as a wedding or festive top. The decoration is done almost entirely in couched gold thread.The design is interesting and atypical, it encompasses figures, peacocks and confronting tigers along with the more typical scrolling vines and cypress trees.

From the collection of Charles E. Mullins, a dye chemist who traveled the world in the first part of the 20th century collecting examples of textiles. He finished collecting in 1933.