Fragment of a Robe (Jama)

Art Historical Context

This elegant fragment of a jama, or robe, dates to the mid-17th century during the height of the Mughal Empire in India. Woven from fine cotton and embroidered with silk threads, the garment would once have formed part of the flowing attire worn by members of the imperial court. Its surviving panel, measuring nearly eight feet in width, hints at the luxurious scale of such garments, which were designed to drape gracefully over the body. The embroidery features delicate floral motifs, a hallmark of Mughal textile design that celebrated the natural world and imperial gardens. Worked in a plain-...