Camel Hair Rug from Kyrgyzstan

This small camel hair rug from Kyrgyzstan depicts a mountain scene with a hut and several domestic animals, two horses and a sheep, in the foreground. It was recently given to me by a woman from Kazahkstan whose American husband is a tobacco merchant working in Central Asia. [SDH]

Sari from India

"This printed sari is from my mother's later years. Its main body is simple, just the border is rick." [RG]

Embroidered Sari from India

"When my mother was young she loved silk saris in deep, rich colors, with gold trim. As she grew orlder, she wore more whites, beiges, and pastels. It is traditional for India women to wear softer colors as they age. This is a simple sari, cream colored with blue embroidery."[RG]

Sari from India

[RG]

Sari from India

"This is a simple thick silk sari, cream colored with a reddish-brown woven border. It is Bengal or Assam."[RG]

Sari from India

[RG]

Silk sari from India

"This turquois shot silk sari is from Bangalore, famous for its silk saris. The pallau is the part of the sari that goes over the shoulder. Typically it is of a contrasting color and embellished with gold. My mother wore it during her younger days," [RG]

Silk sari from India

"This purple and gold sari is from the time that my mother got married. The colors are difficult to capture in a photo. The silk is both purple and orange with gold embellishments. It is from Benares." [RG]

Embroidered Purse from Kashmir

"My mother loved clothes, jewelry and bags. This is one of her bags from Kashmir. Kashmir is famous for this type of embroidery, which can be done in either silk or wool. The typical patterns are flowers, birds, and paisleys. My mother had a shawl with a similar pattern. This bag has a carved wooden handle. Kashmir is also known for its woodwork. My father used to tease my mother about her love of clothes. I didn't inherit her love of clothes or bags. I do love jewelry, but not the traditional jewelry that she would wear. Indian woman traditionally wear gold jewelry. I prefer silver." [RG]

Sari from India

"This simple sari is from my mother's older days. The main cream body is simple with black embroidery. It is Bengal or Assam."[RG]