VTG Mirror Embroidery SKIRT Rabari Kutch Gypsy BOHO Cotton India Handmade M

Description

Vintage 100% Cotton Long Embroidered Mirror Ethnic Gypsy SKIRT Made in India, Rabari Kutch, Size M
I purchased this amazing skirt in its current condition in the 1990s in Santa Cruz CA.  It has been in my collection of ethnic textiles since that time.  The embroidered large plant figures and birds are very unusual.
A remarkable work of folk craftsmanship, a very old tradition expressed in this 20th century example which uses a unique style of hand embroidery,
embedding glittering mirror discs, which
cover most of this skirt in the colors of rural India.
For information about the origin of this folk art form see below.
Measurements:
The waist ranges from the smallest at 16" to about 30" because of drawstring. Will fit a larger waist but fabric at waist won't join together at the top (will be a gap).
Length is 35" measured from the bottom of the waistband.  I am 5' 7" and skirt reaches my ankles.
Flare of skirt is 43.5" or 87" circumference at bottom of skirt.
Hand Embroidery:
The waistband is thickly hand embroidered and covers about 2/3 of the long skirt.  The waistband and the black border at the bottom were  sewn on to the red fabric by machine.  The heavy mirror/embroidery decoration includes large figures that look like human corn plants, flowers, and birds.  The large figures are at the top of the embroidery with mirror headdresses, the large birds at the bottom on black.
Age:
I estimate its age at midcentury or older.
Hand Printed Fabric:
The main background color of the skirt is red fading to pale pink/orange, darker at the top near the waistband and fading to a pale pink/orange as you go down. The small silver print of the red cotton fabric is stamped on the outside I assume by hand.  You can see the original color of the red cloth on underneath side, and by comparing front to back (see photos near end).
Condition:
Very good condition for such an intricately decorated skirt, with no tears or holes or major damage.  There is 1 small mirror missing in the bird border at the bottom (see closeup) and no broken or cracked ones.  There are 2 small stains, little dark spots in one area and a light "spill" spot near waist (see last photo); and there is a little unraveling of the waistband cord.  Skirt is not fragile and can be worn and enjoyed.  I wore it several times, otherwise was stored in closet or in a bin out of the light, smoke and pet free.  Label says "Dry Clean Only" because of the mirrors.
There are 2 shipping options for you to choose from and I accept returns.
Victoria and Albert Museum:
Shisha (glass) or mirrorwork embroidery is most common in India's north western states, with Kutch, a district of Gujarat, a particularly rich source. Beyond solely decorative use, some communities believe mirrorwork is auspicious as a tool for warding off the evil eye, reflecting bad luck and evil spirits away from the wearer.
Other Sources:
Originated in 17th century during Mughal Empire.  Originally mica was used, also tin or coins have been used for mirrors.  A local folk art/craft in certain regions of India.