The Indian Textile Sourcebook: Patterns and Techniques

An invaluable sourcebook of Indian textile patterns covering the entire region, organized by pattern type and explored by technique

Textiles have a long and distinguished history on the Indian subcontinent, from the dazzling woven silks worn by royalty to the simple block-printed patterns worn everywhere. Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum’s world-class collection, this beautiful and informative book features a wide variety of textile designs, techniques and colours.

The introduction gives an overview of Indian textiles, including methods by which they were made and their intended uses. The book is divided into three chapters defined by pattern style: Floral, Figurative, and Abstract and Geometric. Each comprises an introduction to the style’s history, and demonstrates the techniques of structure, surface and embellishment patterning. A wealth of cross-referencing by theme and process makes this a uniquely useful resource. Over 300 breathtaking and hugely varied designs are examined here in detail through close-up shots of the pattern and material alongside images of the reverse of many fabrics, demonstrating different weaving techniques so that the reader can see precisely how the textile was made.

Overflowing with colour and patterns, The Indian Textile Sourcebook will inspire and inform anyone interested in textile design and the decorative arts.

Contents List

Introduction • Floral • Figurative • Abstract and Geometric

About the Author

Avalon Fotheringham is a curator in the Asian Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum.