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

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.