Rumal, Coverlet

This exquisitely embroidered colourful circular rumal depicts the rasleela of Krishna, in which he replicates himself numerous times so that each gopi or milkmaid thinks he is dancing with her alone, forming a circle around an image of Krishna in the centre. The theme of rasmandala is frequently seen on Chamba rumals. The embroidery is done in multicoloured silken threads in running and darn stitch on a white cotton base. A bright red trimming around the thalposh (plate-cover) gives it a refine and rich effect. The composition is intricate and the figures embroidered are in bright, traditional costumes. The outer periphery of the central figures is surrounded by elements of beauty in nature- peacocks, scrolling flowers and the pine trees- which so often inspired the embroiders of this region.

Using silk thread in running stitch in the outline and darn stitch in fillings, the embroider works on counted threads of the fine hand-spun and hand woven cotton ground in such a way that the embroidery looks the same on either side.