Very attractive pair of Swat Valley marriage/dowry pillows. Beautifully embroidered with an incredible, intense red silk on black cotton ground. Early 20th century.
Although not an identical pair, we beleve these were made together by the same very talented bride to be. The cotton and silk are identical and have similar levels of wear, and although the central motifs differ, the borders utilise the same pattern. The symbols on the one pillow are Sauwastikas, (left facing swastikas) which In Hinduism are "associated with esoteric tantric practices and often stand for the Goddess Kali".
The pillow with the densest sikwork is in better condition. The cotton, having been largely covered over has fared better. There are small areas of wear but generaly excellent, clean with no loose threads. The pillow with the sauwastikas is generally excellent but the cotton shows more areas of wear, it having been more exposed. The cotton ground has also creased in a couple of places. This may be easily rectified but we have left as found rather than risk any damage, it doesn't detract.
Both pillows are 60cm x 25cm. These are in their original unrestored state, not new pillows made from old fabric. Selling as a pair, we feel it would be a shame to split them up.
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Swat Valley silk marriage pillows early 20th century
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