Chod (Wall Hanging)

Chod (backdrop for an idol), Chandarvo (canopy) and Torana (door hanging) are used to decorate shrines. Some textiles are offered as fulfillment of wishes, such as the Darshan Dwar phulkari (embroidered hanging for temple or Gurudwara) of the eastern Punjab and shawls with couplets from Gita Govinda offered to Lord Jagannatha. The Vaishnava religion has a rich tradition of painted backdrops called Pichhwais and elaborate costumes for Lord Krishna.

A rectangular wall hanging with crimson satin ground is finely embroidered in various kinds of silk and gilt materials of different types used in jari embroidery. A wall piece is imagined as a niche enclosed between two half pillars with bell and cushion-shape base and similar capital on either side, supporting beautiful arches on top. The sun and moon are prominently placed in two top corners while elegant peacocks flank the flower decoration in the centre. The ground is covered by a jal of lozenges with a flower in each, creating a rich brocade effect. The borders are decorated with floral motifs and a winding creeper whereas the four corners have big eight-petalled flowers on a red background. The museum also has in its collection, the Chandarvo or a square a canopy, of the same material and design to match this wall-hanging.