Vintage 1920s Indian Embroidered Orange Silk & Silver Thread Drawstring Potli Bag

Vintage 1920s Indian Embroidered Orange Silk & Silver Thread Drawstring Potli Bag

A fabulous Potli bag from the 1920s
in a sumptuous orange silk
embellished with clever folded fabric border,
and embroidered with beautiful silver stars.
The interior has a pale orange lining
and all of the stitch work is visible.
This is completely hand made and thus totally unique!
The drawstring is made of silk thread
with silver wire tassels at each end.
In lovely vintage condition commensurate with its age
Perfect for those extra special events
and as a decoration for your boudoir, simply perfect!
The Potli measures 8” wide by 7” inches deep



Potli Bags
Potli bags have existed in India since times immemorial. These attractive bags have traversed centuries and are now proclaimed a fashion accessory for everyone, age or gender alike. Potli bags are essentially made out of a rich cloth, preferably satin, velvet or silk.

The cloth is then embellished and affixed with a drawstring for opening and closing the bag. Earlier, these potli bags had a simple look. Now, with the rising popularity of these traditional bags, they are adorned with Banaras or Kutch work, pearls, mirrors, beads, sequins, stones along with tassels affixed on the drawstrings.

Origin
It is said that the first known potli bag was used by Lord Rama as a travel bag when he was exiled for 14 years. It supposedly contained all his clothes and basic necessities. In Mahabharata, it is said that Arjuna made use of a potli bag to disclose his weapons. Also, Sudama carried a potli of rice when he went to meet Lord Krishna. Hence, the potli bag is associated with our ancient relics and mythology.
In the Vedic era, potli messages were prevalent in which a potli bag would be filled with Ayurvedic herbs for conducting the message. Later, potlis were used for storing money and paintings further prove this. Travelers, saints, and the general populace made use of potli bags and pouches of various sizes.

Present Day Scenario
Today, potli bags have become a very popular fashion accessory and are being reinvented by many designers. A potli bag is commonly spotted as an accessory in marriages and special occasions wherein women sport potli bags that match their attire. Indian potli bags have acquired international attention due to their mesmerizing appearance which reflects the rich ethnic tradition of India’s very own bag.

Potli bags have now been given various avatars and looks, such as potli purses, potli clutch bags, potli pouches and the potli sack purse. Not only do these traditional drawstring bags complement Indian attire, they look perfect with Indowesterns as well. A lot of Indian celebrities and Bollywood stars have increased the popularity of the potli bag by sporting them to important red carpet events