Paithani Panel -Installation

A part of the early commissions for Visvakarma, the intention in the commissioning of this textile was the reproduction of a refinement and scale of the floral border, seen in Paithani textiles of the Deccan and western India from the 19th century. This is created using a rare technique of interlocking the wefts, used in a different way also in the Kani shawls of Kashmir. The shade of yellow chosen here references the tradition of Pitambar, silk fabrics worn for auspicious and ceremonial purposes among worshippers of certain Hindu sects. Equally, it is Kesari, of the Indian mango. The stark field of the textile contrasts with the subtle metallic and silk border, which itself mimics the art of metal enamelling.

The Paithani panel was created by S. V. Bhandge and G.J. More at the Weavers Service Center in Mumbai. It was part of the early commissions for Visvakarma, and was intended to reproduce the refinement and scale of the oral border seen in Paithani textiles from the 19th century. The panel showcases the traditional techniques and designs of Paithani textiles and highlights the skill and expertise of the artists involved in its creation.