Indian Toran Door Hanging c.1920

This is a very attractive embroidered Indian Toran or Bandanwar which dates from the early 20th Century. These colourful embroidered decorative and tasselled pieces were hung above the main entrance to a home, the main idea being to please and attract the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. This toran has been finely embroidered using a crewel work type stitch in warm reds and lush greens and a turmeric shade, the design featuring a multitude of mica mirror panels. It could be used over a chair or sofa to add colour to a room or even above a bed.