Document Type : Research Paper
Author
university of art
Abstract
Textiles had wide-ranging applications in people's daily lives during the Qajar era, as in any other era. This study aimed to identify different applications of fabrics in Qajar kitchens and catering and also examine their decorations and accessories. The main research question is how can the digital archive of Harvard University be employed to recover and analyze fabric pieces used in the Qajar kitchen and catering. This was historical research using a descriptive-analytical approach and purposive sampling of Qajar fabrics associated with food preparation and feasting. The findings revealed that fabrics played a significant role in storing catering equipment during this period. These items were generally decorated with embroidery. Some items such as tablecloths and eating mats were sometimes decorated through printing techniques (Kalamkari). Although fabrics decorated through weaving techniques were used in kitchen settings, the extensive utilization of decoration (particularly needlework and, later on, block printing) in small kitchen items was aimed for decorative purposes and also concealing wear and tear in fabrics.
Keywords
- Qajar kitchen
- Qajar Catering
- Qajar Fabric
- Needlework
- Block printing (Kalamkari)
- Harvard University Digital Archives
Main Subjects
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