Framed Chromolithograph Advertising Label Of The Mahabharata - Ca 1920
This gilt framed pictorial label printed on paper was used to seal bales of cloth destined for sale in India. Originally printed in Britain and shipped to India, these labels were advertisements made for the Indian taste. Dates to the early 20th century - likely 1920's.
This label depicts a scene from the Mahābhārata. In the upper section a king is seated with his advisers. In the lower section, Draupadi prays to Krishna for protection as she is gambled away to the Pandava brothers by her husband, the king of Hastinapura. This was one of several factors which caused the Mahabharata war.
The bale label was printed for F Steiner & Co (founded 1832) in Manchester, the largest turkey-red dyer outside Glasgow.
Labels like this are unusual to find as they were mostly destroyed during the unpacking of textiles. We sourced these labels in Shekhawati in Rajasthan, whose residents became immensely wealthy trading with the west in Bombay & Calcutta. Much of the wealth was shipped back to Shekhawati where they built impressive havelis. Framed in old gilt frames, they are colourful and decorative reminders of the days of the British Raj in India.
This particular label can be found in the British Museum collection. # 2008,3020.37
Dimensions:
17.5 x 1 x 23 (wxdxh cms)
From India
UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £7.50
More delivery options available at checkout
Original: $301.50
-65%$301.50
$105.52More Images
Framed Chromolithograph Advertising Label Of The Mahabharata - Ca 1920
This gilt framed pictorial label printed on paper was used to seal bales of cloth destined for sale in India. Originally printed in Britain and shipped to India, these labels were advertisements made for the Indian taste. Dates to the early 20th century - likely 1920's.
This label depicts a scene from the Mahābhārata. In the upper section a king is seated with his advisers. In the lower section, Draupadi prays to Krishna for protection as she is gambled away to the Pandava brothers by her husband, the king of Hastinapura. This was one of several factors which caused the Mahabharata war.
The bale label was printed for F Steiner & Co (founded 1832) in Manchester, the largest turkey-red dyer outside Glasgow.
Labels like this are unusual to find as they were mostly destroyed during the unpacking of textiles. We sourced these labels in Shekhawati in Rajasthan, whose residents became immensely wealthy trading with the west in Bombay & Calcutta. Much of the wealth was shipped back to Shekhawati where they built impressive havelis. Framed in old gilt frames, they are colourful and decorative reminders of the days of the British Raj in India.
This particular label can be found in the British Museum collection. # 2008,3020.37
Dimensions:
17.5 x 1 x 23 (wxdxh cms)
From India
UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £7.50
More delivery options available at checkout
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Description
This gilt framed pictorial label printed on paper was used to seal bales of cloth destined for sale in India. Originally printed in Britain and shipped to India, these labels were advertisements made for the Indian taste. Dates to the early 20th century - likely 1920's.
This label depicts a scene from the Mahābhārata. In the upper section a king is seated with his advisers. In the lower section, Draupadi prays to Krishna for protection as she is gambled away to the Pandava brothers by her husband, the king of Hastinapura. This was one of several factors which caused the Mahabharata war.
The bale label was printed for F Steiner & Co (founded 1832) in Manchester, the largest turkey-red dyer outside Glasgow.
Labels like this are unusual to find as they were mostly destroyed during the unpacking of textiles. We sourced these labels in Shekhawati in Rajasthan, whose residents became immensely wealthy trading with the west in Bombay & Calcutta. Much of the wealth was shipped back to Shekhawati where they built impressive havelis. Framed in old gilt frames, they are colourful and decorative reminders of the days of the British Raj in India.
This particular label can be found in the British Museum collection. # 2008,3020.37
Dimensions:
17.5 x 1 x 23 (wxdxh cms)
From India
UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £7.50
More delivery options available at checkout
