Welcome to the
TAPI Collection
One of the finest private collections
of Indian historic textiles and art
Coromandel Coast, South-east India; traded to Thailand
18 th century; cotton, painted, mordant and resist- dyed
TAPI Collection
EXHIBITION
When Indian Flowers Bloomed in Distant Lands
Masterworks of Trade Textiles 1250-1950 in the TAPI Collection
December 2024 – February 2025
Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum, Ahmedabad
ABOUT US
TAPI is a private collection in the city of Surat, a testament to the rich and colourful tapestry of India’s textile and art heritage. An acronym for Textiles and Art of the People of India, it venerates an artistic legacy spanning 5000 years.
Founded by Praful and Shilpa Shah, it is named after the River Tapi of Surat as a tribute to the city- its home. TAPI is not a brick-and-mortar museum; it transcends walls and borders. Through exhibitions, events, and publications, TAPI shares its woven and pictorial narratives across communities and continents.
Founded by Praful and Shilpa Shah, it is named after the River Tapi of Surat as a tribute to the city- its home. TAPI is not a brick-and-mortar museum; it transcends walls and borders. Through exhibitions, events, and publications, TAPI shares its woven and pictorial narratives across communities and continents.
TAPI SPOTLIGHT
Our Latest Publication
WHEN INDIAN FLOWERS BLOOMED IN EUROPE: Masterworks of Indian Trade Textiles, 1600-1780, in the TAPI Collection
By: Ebeltje Hartkamp-Jonxis (Author)
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TAPI SPOTLIGHT
Our Latest Publication
THE SHOEMAKER’S STITCH: Mochi Embroideries of Gujarat in the TAPI Collection
By Shilpa Shah, Rosemary Crill (Authors)
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COLLECTION
Get a glimpse of the different genres of TAPI’s textile and art collection and discover the essence of India.
INDIAN TEXTILES
The TAPI Collection consists of over four thousand textiles of historic value, encompassing a wide range of techniques, materials and motifs.
INDIAN ART
In addition to textiles, the TAPI Collection also preserves examples of other forms of Indian art. Noteworthy are the Miniature and Company School paintings in the collection.
PUBLICATIONS
Trade Temple & Court
Masters of the Cloth
In Adoration of Krishna
“What India’s textile artisan was, and still is, able to achieve is awesome and humbling.”
Shilpa Shah – Collector