tribaltextiles.info

Greetings!

I have an old silk with silver and gold wrapped threads from Varanasi, 164 x 164 cm, somewhat similar to the V&A‘s no. 0816(IS), both reminiscent of the pattern of Kashmiri moon shawls.  There are diagonal stripes of rows of birds, deer, sheep and elephants.  It is lined with finely woven silk from the period: red, green pieces under the borders.
I haven’t troubled to post a photo, since my question is not about the piece itself but rather if anyone has a suggestion about how to remove/reduce the tarnish on the silver-wrapped threads, something that also happens on more substantial Indonesian textiles.
The museum did not have a suggestion, but perhaps someone here has been more venturous and successful.
I have considered experimenting on a corner with aluminium foil and baking soda in hot water, but laid off, fearing what that might do to the silk and the problem of rinsing out the soda water.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, even someone’s negative experience from an attempt.

Thank you and best regards, Larry

I would be very nervous of using hot water on the silk textile. I am afraid that I don't have any positive suggestions.

Best,

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource

Dear Pamela,
Thanks for your warning reply, perhaps also from feeling my frustration.
Such a wonderful website, but to borrow from the song "where have all the flowers gone": where have all the young men gone, where have all the young girls gone?
The flowers are here, but but no one is telling or asking about them.

Best wishes

Everyone (except me) is busy using Facebook (which I am afraid I don't like and don't want to waste loads of time on). Pretty impossible to find previous posts there but so easy to post photos!

Best,

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource