This ground-breaking work reveals the events and ideas that transpired within the Khalsa (Sikh Brotherhood) movement, transforming the Kashmir shawl to one of powerful ethnic proportions.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s takeover of Kashmir in 1819 had an extraordinary impact on the fashion of the legendary Kashmir shawl, giving rise to “a major artistic expression in the subcontinent”. Exploring miniature paintings of Northern India and the hill states, Kashmiri manuscripts and illustrations of unique shawls from world collections, Woven Masterpieces describes the nature and source of the pattern that define the Sikh period. In addition, textile enthusiasts will discover new material in chapters devoted to the Mughal period, lacquer painting and Indo-Persian shawl influences and trade. Whilst that are many books and articles on the Kashmir shawl, covering its history and manufacture, until now very little has been written on what is perhaps the most important historical period of the shawl’s stylistic evolution. Woven Masterpieces is based on new research, sourcing primary and well as secondary archival material. It is also based on the author’s thirty-year involvement with the best and rarest examples of the Kashmir shawl.

Author
Frank Ames is an antiques dealer with 35 years experience specializing in rare textiles and oriental rugs. His first book, The Kashmir Shawl and its Indo-French Influence, has become the standard reference work on the subject. Besides Ames’ consultancy work, he also curates exhibitions, the last of which was The Arts of Kashmir, Asia Society, 2007

Seven chapters cover 1-a Synoptic Overview, 2-General Classification, 3-The Development of the Mughal Style, 4-The Development of the Sikh Style, 5-Kashmiri Manuscripts, 6- Persia and Kashmir, 7- Some Further Musings on the Boteh, plus a long Introduction, Epilogue, Notes, Glossary, Bibliography and detailed Index. The quality of the images is probably the finest ever to be seen in a book on the Kashmir shawl, which has been for many years difficult to reproduce due to the complexity of design and colors.

To order contact Frank Ames
Or send check to p.o. Box 237196 New York ny 10023 Shipping in the us included in the price of $30.