Fan
| Type: | For Personal Adornment |
|---|---|
| Object Name: | Fan |
| Place Made: | Asia: South Asia, India, Western India, Gujarat, Kutch, Bhuj |
| People: | Mochi community |
| Period: | Early 20th century |
| Date: | 1900 - 1930 |
| Dimensions: | L 46 cm x W 29 cm |
| Materials: | Silk; wood |
| Techniques: | Embroidered; painted |
| ID Number: | T94.0812a |
| Credit: | From the Opekar / Webster Collection |
By the beginning of the 19th century, members of the Mochi community (former professional leather workers) were embroidering on silk for the ladies of the court of Bhuj, Gujarat. The Mochi were skilled with the ari, a fine awl with a tiny hook at the end, and used it to produce beautiful chain-stitch embroidery. In addition to feminine apparel, the Mochi also decorated ceremonial items such as this vinjhana for fanning the wedding couple during the marriage ceremony.
