Woman's Wedding-Festival Blouse c. 1975

This festive blouse, made by an anonymous artist, likely in India, is densely worked in cotton, silk, and mirrors. The effect is dazzling; the mirrors would have caught the light, enlivening any celebration. Textiles like this one are powerfully linked to social status. The embroidery, no doubt painstakingly done by hand, would have taken many hours. The decoration covers almost the entire surface, implying that the woman who made it had considerable time and skill. The blouse transforms the wearer, reflecting her importance in the wedding rituals. We can also consider the social implications of the materials. While cotton and silk are natural materials, the mirrors are clearly manufactured, and are products of industrialization. This combination of handcraft and industry gives the blouse a specific resonance, reflecting both tradition and modernity. It is a potent reminder that even the most seemingly simple objects can carry complex cultural significance.