ca. mid twentieth century
folded square: 18" x 18", 45.5 cm x 45.5 cm

This "envelope" of recycled, brightly colored cottons with a very prominently placed white cotton applique is from the Sindh region of Pakistan and India.  The bag is a kind of ralli, a very popular form of quilted textile done in this region and, in some way, is a symbol of an aspect of the culture as rallis are ubiquitous in Sindh.

This fabulous bag--beautiful inside and out--is referred to as a "storage" bag, however it likely started its life as an accessory to accompany a celebration, probably to hold a woman's dowry.

Note the joyous, yet restrained use of color and the profusion of stitches all-over.  As well, the "radiating" reverse applique borders are a beautiful design element: pay special attention to the bag when it is shown closed and forms a square.  In this way it is really lovely.

Just extraordinary.