Neck Cover or Ghuchi from India

This neck cover or Ghughi is from the North-West of India from the Saurashtra peninsular Gujarat. There are three main styles of embroidery; the Kathipa domestic embroidery worked with flossed silk in an elongated chain stitch, geometric designs. The figurative work of the Kanbi and associated Farming Castes and the Ganesh Hangings.

It would have been made for celebrations such as weddings. This cover is from the Kathi landowning caste and is made of a fine cotton with appliqué as well as embroidery. The block printed edging is unusual and the head piece is a thin strip decoration of old purple and gold woven silk.

Circa 1930’s, from poll to neck 3’6” (107.5 cm). Long edge 6’8” (202.5 cm).

Provenance John Gallows, purchased for Private collection 1990’s approx value £250.