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Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Afghanistan
Accession Number
2012.337
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
This wedding dress has a full skirt, high waist and extraordinarily long sleeves. Each sleeve consists of purple, green and pink silk sections, while the bodice, cuffs and hem of the dress are covered in elaborate embroidery in silk thread. The embroidered designs feature geometric and stylised floral motifs, including rows of multi-coloured tulips that symbolise wealth and fertility. Extra panels of Russian printed cotton are applied to the skirt. With its synthesis of traditional Pashtun, Turkmen and Uzbek motifs and techniques, the garment exemplifies the national Afghan dress style developed during the 1970s.