These vintage embroidered choli tops are incredibly rare and special: their ages range from the early to mid 20th Century, and all of them were embroidered by hand by the Rabari people in what is now Northwest India. The Rabari people are an ethnic group, who today reside primarily in northern and central India, and Pakistan. They have long been known for their impressive embroidery, which traditionally is painstaking completed by hand in vibrant colors. (The Rabari men are known for dressing in all white, while the women dress very colorfully.)
NOTE: This listing is for the CRIMSON (red) top. There are three tops in total, available in different colorways: JADE, INDIGO, CRIMSON. Each one is available in my shop.
The embroidery in each top is unique, as described below. All of them were found without the original tie closure, so they have been modified with the covered elastic back strap; the strap attaches to the top with hidden hook/eye closures. The tops vary somewhat in their measurements but note that they will best fit a petite frame; the elastic back does offer some flexibility as it stretches. The arm openings are on the small side, especially at the binding, but on all tops they get roomier at the top towards the shoulder.
CRIMSON: This is the oldest top of these three, dating to the early 20th Century. It is mainly a rich red, with indigo patches...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Cholis