1855, Lahore

1855, Lahore

Identifier
05643:1/(IS)
Collection
Material
Technique
Depiction
Dimension
111 cm (height)
30 cm (width)
Production time
Production place
Type of object

Description

The distinctive side-fastening panel that passes over the chest of this young man's robe is typical of a type of angarkha. This panel is secured in two places inside the robe with green silk ties, and another pair keeps the waist closed. The robe is unusual in that it is made of the fine Kashmir wool more often associated with shawls. The intricate, spiralling pattern in couched gold-wrapped thread is typical of the work of Kashmir and of Panjab, where this coat would have been worn. Its lightly padded woollen material would have protected the wearer from the severe winters of these northern areas. The brilliant green ties are echoed in the neck-facing and lining of the same material. The angarka was acquired by the Indian Museum in London, and transferred to South Kensington in 1879. This young man's robe(angarkha) has embroidery and applique work using ribbon woven of silk and gold-wrapped thread('gota') that was formerly associated with the princely state of Bahawalpur. The use of gold 'gota' is very much a part of the Rajasthani court style. Young man's silk robe, with applied gold ribbon, Lahore, mid 19th century.