Colors of the Indus: Costumes and Textiles of Pakistan

Description

Book Title: Colours of the Indus: Costumes and Textiles of Pakistan
Author: Nasreen Askari & Rosemary Crill
Language(s): English
Published: London, UK- 1998
Format & Size: Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket – 9″ x 11″
Pages: 144 pages
Book Condition: Very Good Condition – gift tag on first page
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good Condition – light edgewear
Description: Taken from a review by Patricia Baker (1999): This monograph was published to accompany an exhibition of the same tide held October 1997 to March 1998 at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, to mark the 50th anniversary of Pakistani independence. It more than adequately serves as a welcome reminder of the richness of variety and color of the displays while for those unable to visit the exhibition, this is a useful record of all the pieces on display, many exhibited for the first time and previously unpublished. A brief historical survey leads the reader straight into a discussion of textile production according to geographical region, with individual chapters devoted to Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab and the North West Frontier Province. As might be expected, given the textile tradition of these provinces, the emphasis in the text and in the choice of illustrations falls on embroidered textiles and garments across a range of materials from leather to fine silks but, under relevant subheadings, regional characteristics of woven and printed stuffs, carpets and felts are also included. For readers unconcerned about technique and process detail, there is enough information on the makers, and their standing in the community to engage their interest, along with discussions about the function of such textiles within the society, past and present, and the status they accord to the user. Descriptions regarding manufacturing processes are summarized within the text and captions and so worded that the reader’s attention is drawn to regional variations of technique, and the individual qualities of each piece illustrated. The authors, Askari and Crill, have skillfully managed to minimize tiresome repetition of technical terms, and yet convey their concern that the readers should realize the importance of considering manufacturing details. The color reproduction and photography are of high quality, and the designer is to be congratulated on managing to relate image to text so closely.