a very rare antique aristocratic Maharaja's Indian silk and real gold thread woven Banaras brocade dowry yardage textile dating to the second half of 19th century. It is intricately woven with the sheen of the silks and the glitter of the gold giving the floral design a radiance. The beautiful green turquoise colour, red and gold gives an elegant look. These long yardages were given as dowry gifts and often kept as treasures in the family. The customs with Maharajas was to keep such pieces in the family collection and never given away. They would sometimes burn it and recoup the gold to be used in other garments or jewellery. Sometimes such a yardage would have been attached to the ends of a sari outfit. So to find a complete piece in such a mint condition is very rare. This highly collectible textile is in mint condition and offered at a very fair price. It is much more beautiful and fine than the photos show. size: 540cm x 17cm (17'8" x 6.5")