Collection of specimens and illustrations of the textile manufactures of India. Second series : Kincobs, Nos. 401 to 458

John Haynes-Williams, 1873

DIMENSIONS(h x w x d) 13 13/16" x 10 7/16" x 1 15/16" (33.5 x 26.5 x 5cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONThe Libraries

Stop to examine this volume, a historical catalog of Indian kincob textiles from the late 19th century. It offers a tangible connection to the rich artistry of Indian weaving and the systematic efforts to document these valuable fabrics during the British colonial period.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This bound volume, titled "Collection of specimens and illustrations of the textile manufactures of India. Second series: Kincobs, Nos. 401 to 458," offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of Indian textiles from the late 19th century. Although the medium is not specified, its purpose was to document and showcase a range of kincobs, a type of brocaded silk fabric often interwoven with gold or silver thread. Such collections were crucial for understanding and appreciating the diverse craftsmanship of Indian artisans during the British Raj. The meticulous numbering of each specimen (401 to 458) suggests a comprehensive, systematic effort to categorize and preserve examples of these valuable textiles. It’s a historical artifact that speaks to both the artistry of the fabrics themselves and the colonial-era impulse to document and catalog cultural production.

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What to Notice

1

The title's emphasis on "Second series" implies a larger, ongoing project.

2

The specific numbering, "Nos. 401 to 458," indicates a detailed cataloging system.

3

The term "Kincobs" points to a particular type of brocaded Indian textile.

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Stop to examine this volume, a historical catalog of Indian kincob textiles from the late 19th century. It offers a tangible connection to the rich artistry of…

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THE ARTIST
John Haynes-Williams 1836–1908 · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

John Haynes-Williams was a British painter known for his detailed oil paintings, including works like 'Alice' from 1892.

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