Embroidered Parsi Textile

The Parsi community of India, descendants of Zoroastrian emigrants from Iran, retained a distinct religious and ethnic identity, one that is seen in their beautiful embroidered textiles.

The TAPI Collection has a wide variety of splendidly worked Parsi garas (saris), jhablas (tunics), ijars (pyjamas), kors (borders) and topis (caps) from the mid-19th century that formed part of special-occasion and ceremonial Parsi wearfor women and children. Charming motifs of peonies and peacocks, pavilions and pagodas reflect the influences of colonial commerce and cultural transmissions that took place between India and China and became part of the design lexicon of Parsi dress.