Tag Archives: sari

The Tamil Cinema Poster Post

Posted on 14/02/2013 by Anu M

I love that so many old Tamil film posters have just the actresses on them and you get to see different kinds of attire. The first film is Madanamala, where the heroine is a dancer. The second,Devamanohari, features a princess. The … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s, 1950s, 20th century, Cinema, Courtesan, Dancer, Indian Cinema, Sari, Sari Blouse, Tamil Cinema, Women | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Tehran University Post

Posted on 05/02/2013 by Anu M

  I did a couple of posts on tumblr on minorities in India, including the Jews and Armenians. Gauhar Jaan An Armenian Lady Jewish Dress And while doing the Armenian post, I came across this  at the Iranica site, a photograph of the first … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, Dress Reform, Education, Vintage Blouse, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Down South

Posted on 19/01/2013 by Anu M

A brief photoessay on the fashions prevalent in the south of India. And a bit on the practice of kolam/rangoli.

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, 19th century, Sari, Sari Blouse, South India, Vintage, Vintage Blouse | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Birds Post-2

Posted on 03/01/2013 by Anu M

  Courtesan, possibly late 19th century.  Accessories: A Bird. And Attitude. The ensemble is a loose style of salwar-kameez with what looks like a short kameez/tunic.  Up close she has interesting shoes with bow ties. And anklets. And a substantial … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, 1950s, 19th century, Birds, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Monsoon Post Contd.

Posted on 21/12/2012 by Anu M

The abhisarika nayika is a heroine who sets out to meet her lover, heedless of the consequences.  Often depicted walking in the rain with snakes out and about. The nayika says: I know it is now time to part. To part … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, 1920s, Paintings, Sari, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Monsoon Post

Posted on 19/12/2012 by Anu M

A bodice soaked in cooling water, play-bracelets made of lotus stems, ear ornaments made of acacia flowers, pearl necklaces of jasmine; these and their bodies wet with sandal paste are the magic used by fawn eyed damsels which needs nor … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, 1980s, India, Old Bollywood, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Ceylon Post

Posted on 10/12/2012 by Anu M

I must confess that all I knew of the Sri Lankan sari was that it was “a variant of the Indian sari”.  It turns out that this is not entirely true. Sri Lanka has a rich and varied sartorial history … Continue reading →

Posted in 1890s, 1900s, 1910s, 19th century, Photography, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Paintings Post – 1920s

Posted on 06/12/2012 by Anu M

  Damerla Rama Rao, who died in 1925 at the early age of twenty-eight…..paintings remained practically lost in an obscure collection in Rajahmundry till they were brought to Delhi and exhibited in 1991 by CMC, the public sector corporation.  He … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920s, India, Paintings, Sari Blouse, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Politician Saree Post

Posted on 19/11/2012 by Anu M

Today is the birth anniversary of India’s third Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Mrs Gandhi’s handloom sarees and simple blouses set the style for women politicians for several decades.  Initially as her father’s hostess and later as the Prime Minister, she rarely got … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, India, Politicians, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Artful Pose: Early Studio Photography in Bombay

Posted on 17/11/2012 by Anu M

The Artful Pose A few pictures from The Artful Pose, Early Studio Photography, c 1855-1940.  All the photographs are by Shapoor Bhedwar to the best of my knowledge. There are girls in short tunics worn with sarees (looking like early versions of Hakoba) with … Continue reading →

Posted in 1890s, India, Photography, Sari, Sari Blouse, Studio Portraits, Vintage, Vintage Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments