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Woman’s wedding dress

Woman’s wedding dress
 (1970s)

Medium
silk, silk (thread), cotton, metallic thread (braid)
Measurements
120.5 cm (centre back) 49.0 cm (waist, flat)
Place/s of Execution
Afghanistan
Accession Number
2012.338
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Vivien Knowles, 2012
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
This lightly quilted multi-coloured patchwork wedding dress combines vibrant ikat-dyed silk, cotton and quilted panels. It has a high waist, long sleeves and a full skirt with knife-pleats at the centre back. The cuffs, hem and a band around the skirt are embroidered in silk thread with geometric motifs, as is the bodice, which is further embellished with metallic braid. Pairs of Russian printed cotton panels on the back and front of the top feature images of Mount Fuji within a radiating sun motif overlaid with flowers. Some of the cotton patches are decorated with fabric paint, creating a textured surface. The garment is an example of the attempts made in the 1970s to create a national Afghan dress style, and combines elements of Pashtun, Turkmen and Uzbek techniques and motifs.