Textiles and Worldwide Trade 1600-1900

Dr. Clair Rose's lecture was about how India influenced on British Design and its industry.

Europeans knew that Indian textiles were worthy enough to trade with other countries (i.e. coffee, gold, spice...etc).
Indian textiles including silk and cashmere, which could only be produced within the area due to the climate, were viewed as luxurious goods for Europeans.
Silk were made from worms that eat leaves from Mulberry which only grows in warm area.
Cashmere is hair from goats that live in cashmere.
Indians also dyed clothes and fabrics that do not wash out (mordent) which Europeans had no idea how to do this. Furthermore, Indigo, dye from India, made their textiles so special.

"Muslin" Fabric
softer and lighter than linen. very fine

"Chintz" was a new technique during the time which also could be washed.


Although Indians had never seen what was out there, they knew exactly what was there. They were great at making unique patterns such as paisley and zig zag called "tumpa."

European Households adored Chintz. 1620,50,000 of Chintz were imported and they were also cheap for middle class.
Delicacy of Indian textiles made easier for Europeans to produce Neo-Classic dresses. European Linens were too hard to make delicate and sophisticated dresses. On the other hand, soft and light Indian fabrics made this capable.

Trade after 1770 - Advantages to Britain

'Spinning Jenny,' a machine, was used for spinning cotton. Not only the machine but also the water power and steam power for the machine resulted a major export to Britain.
Cottons were produced in Britain; however, the designs were terrible comparing to those of India.
British manufacturers studied Indian and other Asian's tastes which led them make printed cottons that later were sold in India, China, and Western Africa. This caused British to take over the export (Cotton) and they made sure fabrics (Cotton) cheaper than hand made Chintz from India.


V&A Museum had many items made with Indian textiles.  They were colorful and well made with every detail. Although I could not touch :( , I could tell how soft some of the fabrics were. Some pieces were also demonstrating how Indian textiles were used to make European dresses and interiors which satisfied the housewives.

Kincob - Benares (varanasi), India 1850 / silk

 

 

Caraco (Jacket) and petticoat / Cotton, painted and dyed

 

Palampore (bed cover or hanging)
Unknown
Southern India
18th century
Painted and printed chintz cotton
Museum no: IM85-1937