Trade between East & West V&A

We had a lecture " Trade between East and West " it taught us about the Indian Textiles and the trade to Europe. We learnt why European want indian textiles? its because Indian textiles has fine cotton ' muslin ' - lighter and softer then European linen. It is also easier to maintain indian fabric. The patterns are very unique unlike patterns made in Europe. The woven cashmere shawls, they are softer and finer then European wool. White indian musins and soft kashmir shawls were used to create comfortable and flattering versions of Neoclassical draped clothing.

I also got information that Indian textiles have been traded since 1600 - 1900. 

I visited V & A and went through some Indian and Asian textiles. India is very famous for its textiles and  is also known to be the worlds greatest textile exporters. Most of what the V & A museum has is from the late 17th and the early 18th century. Some of them seem from the Mughal time, They seem expensive. Textile that were produced from Rajistan were known for there excellence in block printing.

However less expensive versions can be produced easily. Most of what the V & A displayed clearly seemed inspired to the nature.

Mughal Tent hanging from Rajistan India - 18th century, Stencilled red velvet, painted with gold leaf

Madras (Chennai), India
mid-19th century
Silver, silk, spangles & beetle wings

Dress piece
Madras (Chennai), India
About 1880
Muslin - V & A

Painted & dyed cotton made in western Indian for the British market in the late 17th century. V & A collections