Pinwheel
- Phulkari
- Artist unknown
- Silk embroidery on red cotton
- Punjab (India/Pakistan), 19th century
- Koelz Collection, UMMAA 17364
The pinwheel arrangements of orange and white triangles on this finely embroidered phulkari are meant to resemble flowers. The needleworker played with color and pattern to leave her distinct mark on an otherwise regular design. Some variations also have a practical explanation: given the high cost of silk thread, the embroiderer could purchase only small amounts at a time and colors did not always perfectly match.