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Textiles Tell Stories: Between India and Indonesia
One-day course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Join us at V&A South Kensington as Dr Lesley Pullen will be presenting two richly illustrated lectures supported by two diverse groups of textiles from a private collection.
This study day explores the prominent role of textiles within South and Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 14th centuries as handmade items of commerce from India were exchanged for forest products from eastern Indonesia. Such luxury textiles were used as objects of everyday use or of gift exchange for the elite, with some subsequently retained as revered family heirlooms. Whilst complex textiles and styles of dress inform us of different societies and cultures, they also throw light on the broader trade and exchange of styles and patterns worldwide.
Through a study of the surviving medieval material arts of Pagan city, Java island, and the Khmer empire, especially the surviving medieval stone and metal sculptures of Java, Lesley explores these historic textile patterns, materials and techniques. From Indian trade cottons, block printed and mordant dyed, and double ikat silks across the seas to Indonesian batik, ikat and songket textiles, Lesley will explore key aspects of style and technique through these two lectures and textile sessions.
Tickets for this study day are limited
Tickets for this study day are limited
Course Leader
Dr Lesley Pullen
Lesley Pullen, an independent art historian, completed her PhD in the History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS University of London in 2017 and published her monograph ‘Patterned Splendour’ in 2021. Lesley has lectured and tutored on the SOAS Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art programme since 2009 and on the V&A Academy Arts of Asia courses since 2015
A wonderful opportunity to learn in a world class museum Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
Join us for an examination of the patterns appearing on textiles can be revelatory, informing us of material art histories and ancient trading routes, especially the exchange of goods and ideas between India and Indonesia.
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One-day course: Textiles Tell Stories: Between India and Indonesia
25 March 2025
£150.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
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+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
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Header image: Sarong, plain weave silk with weft ikat and gold brocading, Palembang Aceh, Sumatra, , 19th century_V&A collection