When I choose a ralli, the quilted cotton patchworks of Sindh, I choose them not for their proper front, but for what is meant to be their back.  I’m showing a smashing one here today.To me, this arrangement of color and form is really sophisticated and marvelous, and I prefer the “wrong side” of a ralli to its intricately patchworked and appliqued side, shown here.Here’s another in my collection with a really unbelievably beautiful “wrong” side.Rallis come in all sizes and shapes and, therefore, they are used differently according to their size: large ones such as the one shown here are bedcovers; smaller ones like this, could have been a sitting cushion or perhaps a dowry bag that has been opened.This one measures 78″ x 66″ or 198 cm x 168 cm.  It was most likely made in the mid-twentieth century.  And of course it’s completely hand stitched.

This is an instance where scale is important.   Below is a shot of a huge, exceptionally good Pakistani ralli quilt which I’m trying to show in the context of a room to give a sense of its large size.  You really have to be standing in front of the piece to be  wowed by it, but stay with me.
Shown in these photos is its back: its fantastic, glorious back, a smattering of pale colors, abraded surfaces, soft floral patterns and the rich patina of lots of wear.Again, as I look at the real thing, then compare it to these photos, the impact of scale–which is important to truly appreciate this piece–is lost.  But even in miniature, I think this ralli has a lot to say.

The cloth is very soft from wear.  The colors are very soft, too.  And the arrangement of the colors, patterns and size of the patches is, well–these are the reasons I’m posting images.  I think you see what I see.

This piece measures 82″ x 62″ or 208 cm x 157.5 cm.Finding this rare and beautiful ralli quilt was a thrill.  Now I want to find it the right home.And if you’d like to sign up for my weekly emailing announcing new items posted on our webshop (coming soon–I promise!), please drop me a line at stephen@srithreads.com