Woven Souls
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Antique Zardozi panel, Awadh, 19th century
Zardozi is an ancient Persian embroidery form
- Zar in Persian means gold and Dozi is embroidery -
that has been passed down for generations.
It reached its peak under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Akbar n the 17th century. 
Zardozi adorned the costumes of the court,
wall hangings, scabbards, regal side walls of tents
and the rich trappings of elephants and horses.
Intricate patterns traced in gold and silver,
studded with seed pearls and precious stones
enhanced the shimmering beauty of silk, velvet and brocade.
It saw a decline during the reign of Aurangzeb as the royal patronage
and favor stopped and and the art was too expensive
and the precious metals too rare to carry on.

This piece is part of the Awadh legacy.
The threads may have a fine layer of silver plating, remaining.
The material is velvet.
Such a piece could have been used as a panel
spread on the seat of royalty or nobility

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