19th Century Rajasthani Silk Embroidered Mirrorwork Pillow With Birds and Flowers

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An exquisite antique Rajasthani embroidered textile dating to the 19th century, beautifully repurposed into a luxurious decorative throw pillow. This … Read more An exquisite antique Rajasthani embroidered textile dating to the 19th century, beautifully repurposed into a luxurious decorative throw pillow. This exceptional example of traditional Indian textile artistry features intricate hand embroidery, delicate mirrorwork, and richly colored floral and bird motifs arranged in a captivating symmetrical composition.

The natural ivory cotton ground is lavishly embellished with silk thread embroidery in shades of deep crimson red, burgundy, burnt orange, sage green, soft gray, pink, and black. Stylized flowering vines, delicate leaves, and charming birds are interspersed with numerous small circular mirrors, individually secured with decorative embroidery stitches.

Five prominent circular metal-framed mirror ornaments accentuate the composition, creating a striking interplay of texture, color, and reflected light. A beautifully embroidered geometric and floral border frames the central design, enhancing the textile's architectural symmetry and decorative richness.

The traditional mirror embroidery, commonly known as shisha work, is a celebrated technique associated with the textile traditions of Rajasthan and neighboring Gujarat. Historically, these elaborate embroidered textiles were created for ceremonial occasions, dowries, domestic decoration, and festive celebrations.

Preserving the character and craftsmanship of the original antique textile, this one-of-a-kind pillow brings together the artistry of 19th-century Indian embroidery and the versatility of contemporary decorative design.

The pillow has been professionally fashioned from an antique textile fragment, retaining its beautifully aged patina, subtle irregularities, and handcrafted character. The insert is included, and the pillow is finished with a hand-stitched closure without a zipper.

An exceptional accent for a sophisticated interior, this richly embellished pillow complements eclectic, bohemian, Anglo-Indian, Moorish, and globally inspired spaces. Equally striking displayed on an antique leather club chair, a linen sofa, or a traditional Indian daybed.

Dimensions: 23 inches high × 23 inches wide (58.4 × 58.4 cm)

Origin: Rajasthan, India
Period: 19th century textile, later made into a decorative pillow
Materials: Cotton textile, silk embroidery, mirrorwork, metal ornaments, pillow insert
Techniques: Hand embroidery, shisha mirrorwork, appliqué
Colors: Ivory, crimson red, burgundy, orange, sage green, gray, pink, and black
Closure: Hand-stitched, without zipper
Condition: Antique textile with expected signs of age, including minor discoloration, gentle wear, irregular embroidery, and patination to the metal ornaments. These characteristics contribute to the authenticity and historic charm of the textile. Pillow insert included.

A remarkable surviving example of traditional Rajasthani needlework, celebrating the extraordinary skills and artistic heritage of Indian textile artisans whose techniques have been passed down through generations. See less