This extraordinarily rare hunting coat was made at the Mughal court in the first half of the 17th century. Richly embroidered in extremely fine chain stitch on a white satin ground, it features detailed images of wild cats, deer and rabbits, flowers, blossoming trees, birds, bugs and landscapes.
Chain-stitch embroidery of this type is associated with the highly-skilled embroiderers of Gujarat, on the western coast of India, who were employed to create fine hangings and garments for the Mughal court, as well as for export to the West.
In this film, curator of South Asian textiles and dress Avalon Fotheringham takes an in-depth look at the cut and construction of the coat, both inside and out, explores the design and uncovers some secrets discovered during recent conservation work.
See more of our Fashion Unpicked films.
