Costumes and Textiles of Royal India [Hardcover]

Ritu Kumar (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0903432552 | ISBN-13: 978-0903432559 | Publication Date: November 1999

After years of searching through dusty museum co9llections and royal stores across India, acclaime designer Ritu Kumar has uncovered many of the last surviving examples of traditional royal clothing. Her book is a celebration of this rich legacy of textiles and craftsmanship. This in-depth study of the evolution of Indian royal costume spans the centuries from the first representations of clothing in ancient India, through the reign of the Mughal emperors and the days of the British Raj, to Indian independence and royalty in the present day. The author covers both men's women's garments, Hindu and Muslim styles, and documents the evolution of European-Indian fashions. This sumptuous volume is illustrated with a variety of material, much of which has never been published before - ranging from archive photographs, miniatures, royal pertraits and cinema stills, to detailed images of garments and textiles from as far back as the 17th century. A separate scetion explains in detail the techniques behind the traditional crafts of weaving, dyeing, printing and embroidery, with sketches and patterns illustrating a variety of garments. Specially commissioned photographs of members of royalty waerign their traditional clothes to emphasis the colour, shape, ornament and texture of these stunning costumes. This royal family album is supplemented by stories of royal India told to the author by the last Rajmatas who still remeber the splendours of courtly life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ritu Kumar is one of India's foremost designers, who has developed a unique style combining the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary innovations. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for fashion and her commiment to the revival and continuation of traditional craftsmanship.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Antique Collectors' Club (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0903432552
• ISBN-13: 978-0903432559
• Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 10.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,125,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful reference!, December 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Costumes and Textiles of Royal India (Hardcover)

This very lavish book is an wonderful reference for any student of Indian costume and textiles. Many wonderful color photographs show the interaction of textiles and costume in India. The text has a great deal of information about the historical development of sewn clothing across India. A very useful book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, June 22, 2009

By 

G rated Grandma (Orlando, FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Costumes and Textiles of Royal India (Hardcover)

I bought this book at the textile museum in Washington, D.C. many years ago and it fascinated me. The book was lovingly researched and the pictures are a treasure, along with the very interesting copy. I have actually had people ask me if I would be interested in parting with it. If you want to learn something deeper about Indian culture, buy this book and enjoy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent book, March 4, 2009

By 

Lamio Giancarlo (Milan, Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Costumes and Textiles of Royal India (Hardcover)

This is an amazing work of research documentatione and description of the indian society and tradition along with a beautifully illustrated presentation