Red Bandhani Scarf

Tie-dyed

The traditional Indian tie-dye technique is known as Bandhani (derived from the Sanskrit word bandh, meaning "to tie"). Originating in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat roughly 5,000 years ago, it involves plucking the fabric by hand and binding thousands of tiny sections with threat to create intricate, dot-based geometric patterns.

    • The Design: The pattern is lightly traced onto plain fabric (often cotton, silk, or muslin) using washable ink.

    • The Tying: Artisans use a small, hollow pointed tool to pinch the cloth at the marked dots and tightly wind strong thread around the gathered fabric several times to create a knot.

    • The Dyeing: The tied fabric is submerged in a series of dye baths, typically moving from the lightest colors to the darkest. The tightly tied knots resist the dye, keeping those sections the original color.

    • The Reveal: Once the dyeing is complete and the fabric has dried, the threads are carefully pulled apart or untied to reveal the iconic un-dyed dotted motifs.

  • Title: Red Bandhani Scarf

  • Date: 2007

  • Geography: Gujarat, India

  • Medium: Cotton

  • Dimensions: H. 58 in.  W. 14 in.

  • Provenance: Purchased in Ahmedabad, India

  • Inventory Number:  IN.07