Muslin: Our Story

An exciting new book that takes you on the trail of muslin. This remarkable publication starts from the origins of the legendary fabric to its final stages, weaving a story as exceptional as muslin; of the rare cotton plant, its remarkable history, the magic of its manufacture, the incredibly fine fabrics woven by its artisans and the enormous impact it had on the trade and culture of Bengal and Europe. Stunning pictures taken by world class photographers combined with rare historical images make muslin's tale come alive, leading to a must-read publication.

Few fabrics in the world have acquired – and retained – the mystique of Bengal’s ‘woven air’, incredibly the fine cotton muslin that has been prized, across the rolling centuries, in the Indian subcontinent and far beyond. The exquisite finesse of Bengali mul-mul made it the much-sought-after fabric by the royal families, nobles, and the elite. This book takes the reader out on a journey through some of the locations visited in search of the elusive cotton plant itself which, of course, is the key to the production of the legendary muslin yarn. We are also introduced to the people involved in today’s muslin production: from cultivation to spinning and weaving. Also looking, in detail, into the history of production and trade in muslin: both in South Asia and externally, the author spells out the impact of muslin on the cultures and economies of India and Bengal. The book is generously illustrated.

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