Photo 972, 6(331)

Genre: Ethnographical Photography

Photograph probably by Tanner, possibly by William Robert Houghton. Oval image. Portrait of four figures, two standing, two seated, posed with examples of their work. 'The art of embroidery in Sind is largely followed by a class of Mahomedans, who are very skilful and industrious workmen. It is done on muslin, silk, velvet, and cloth, and in gold and silver thread, and silk braid, in a variety of styles, and very elegant and ingenious designs. Hyderabad is perhaps the chief seate of manufacture, and it is not for the province only, but since the British conquest, has extended to articles of English demand and use, scarves, jackets, footstools, table-cloths and the like. The Sindee embroidery has a character of its own, and is easily recognizable and distinguished from that of Delhi, Lahore, and Cashmere, which are in many instances more beautiful and varied.The art in Sind is confined to certain families of Mahomedans, and the women work at it as skilfully as the men. In England, Sindee emroidery has become known at the last exhibition in London; and to the old man represented in the photograph was awarded the prize medal. The India Museum exhibits many specimens of this beautiful art, remarkable for brilliancy and good taste of colour, elegant patterns, and neat execution.

Subjects = arts & crafts; embroiderers; embroidery; ethnic groups; occupations; printed books; Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (8 vols, 1868-75); Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (vol 6, 1872)

Location = Pakistan; Sindh