COSTUMES
India: Gujarat, Kutch (Kachchh), Bhuj
Mochi caste
Skirt fragment (woman's)
19th century
Satin weave; Embroidered
Silk satin; Silk embroidery
28 1/2 x 32 1/2 in. (72.4 x 82.6 cm)
Elizabeth Bayley Willis Collection
TC 58.2-115

Embroidered skirts (ghagros) were worn in Gujarat, India. This skirt fragment was possibly embroidered by professional embroiderers of the Mochi families. Mochis were traditionally cobblers but were well-established as silk embroiderers by the 19th century. This finely worked chain stitching is accomplished by a skilled embroiderer's use of the ari hook. -- Label copy for The Elegance of Embroidery, October 11 to October 28, 1988.