Textile

Embroidered border, likely created for a form of religious hanging, perhaps a pichhwai (figurative textile hung behind the image of Krishna in Hindu shrines). Black silk twill embroidered in chain stitch with multicolored silk threads. This form of embroidery, worked with a small hook (aari), was a specialty of the Mochi community in Kachchh (Kutch). The design displays Hindu deities, especially incarnations of Vishnu, of which there are many interpretations. From left to right: Chandra (the moon god) being pulled in a chariot; Ganesha (identified by his Elephant head); Bahuchara Mata (riding a rooster vahana, or animal vehicle); Shiva riding Nandi (the bull); Lakshmi with two elephants; Matsya (the giant fish); Narasimha defeating Hiranyakashipu; Hanuman (the monkey) with Ram and Sita seated in a palanquin; Varaha (the boar); Kurma (the giant tortoise); Kartikeya on a peacock vahana; Krishna playing the flute; Durga slaying Mahishasura; Hanuman lifting Sanjeevani mountain; and Surya (the sun god) being pulled by a chariot.