Tantava - Blog

 

  • 10 Mins Read
  • 02nd October 2022

Sutr Santati – which means “the continuity of yarn” – was an exhibition of handcrafted textiles conceived and curated by Lavina Baldota of the Abheraj Baldota Foundation and mounted in September, 2022 with the Indian Ministry of Culture and the National Museum in New Delhi to celebrate 75 years of Indian independence. Bringing together more than 100 handmade Indian textiles by 75 prominent artisans, craftspeople, designers, and artists, the exhibition highlights craftsmanship and sustainability as its key features. D’Ascoli was proud to be a contributor of a multi-disciplinary work that we called Tantav, that combined artwork from our Talianna design studio, hand spun, and hand woven cotton from Murshidabad District in West Bengal that we brought to the Talianna workshops in Faridabad, Haryana, where we hand painted, block printed, and hand embroidered to make the final panel. It was an honor to see our fabric hanging in the National Museum along with so many other remarkable creations from the finest designers and makers in India.


Handmade textiles have a rich history in India, with evidence of textile production dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization in 2500 BCE. During the Mughal period (1526-1858), Indian textiles were highly sought after by European traders and were exported in large quantities. The Mughals also introduced new designs based on Persian and Central Asian patterns. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Indian textiles were impacted by British colonial rule and the rise of industrialization. Traditional techniques such as hand-loom weaving and natural dyeing declined, but have seen a resurgence in recent years as a result of efforts to revive and promote traditional Indian textiles. Today, Indian handmade textiles are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and use of natural materials. We at the Talianna Studio continue to use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create unique and high-quality textiles that are appreciated globally.

 

 The connection and continuity between ancient Indian textile crafts and our modern handmade textiles in India can be seen in the preservation and continuation of traditional techniques, designs, and materials. We still use the same methods and tools used by our artisan’s ancestors, such as hand-loom weaving, block printing, and hand embroidery. These techniques have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to influence our modern textiles. Additionally, our modern Indian textiles still draw inspiration from ancient designs and patterns, such as paisley and floral motifs. However, it is important to note that modern handmade textiles in India have also evolved to incorporate new elements and techniques. For D’Ascoli we often incorporate contemporary designs and colors, while experimenting with new materials and techniques such as manual embroidery, computer embroidery, and digital printing. Despite these changes, the core essence and spirit of our traditional Indian textile crafts remains evident in our modern handmade textiles.

 

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Tamara Mellon X D'Ascoli

December 2021

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Met Museum

September 2021

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