I had an anon question on tumblr as an earlier question on wordpress that I will answer here together as they are kind of related. 1. I saw an early 19th century painting which showed women in a blouse and … Continue reading
Meanwhile the days are heating up after the spell of winter; the sun is getting hot, even as a cool breeze is blowing through the boat window and caressing my back. Today there is no special concession for winter or … Continue reading
When I was composing the hair posts, my brother, Shiv, decided to do an illustration of Jabakusum Hair Oil for the blog. Here is the illustration: He joined tumblr to post it (hinotoridawn) but I don’t think he quite likes … Continue reading
Everyone should read Banalata Sen, whether in the original Bengali or translated. As I mentioned the sari history posts were very time and energy consuming this year. I might revisit some of the earlier decades as the information on them … Continue reading
Merry Christmas to everyone and happy holidays! Watercolour by Manishi Dey.
The Period Film – 1960s Calcutta in Shadows of Time. Sleeveless blouses, updos, pale lipsticks and a focus on the eye makeup. The actresses: Tannishtha Chatterjee and Tillotama Shome. The movie: [X]
Gaganendranath Tagore‘s “Respecting Women?” illustration of 1916. (via sotheby’s). Things haven’t changed vastly in a 100 odd years.
This gallery contains 3 photos.
In the Gallery: 1. “An elegant lady stands facing right holding a white floral garland with both hands. She is finely dressed in an olive green pleated sari edged with gold over a crimson underskirt, the end draped over her head like … Continue reading
Sunayani Devi stands out not because of her degree of conformity to male peers but because of her distinct pursuit of a personal vision. Although Abanindranath Tagore and the Bengal School would have been influential, her concerns were more mythic … Continue reading
On top of that, the kind of fine [clothing] material they wear is not fit to go out in society, and when the material becomes wet and clings to the body, then there is no difference between being naked and … Continue reading
Vintage Indian Clothing 