A rare antique Indian men’s ceremonial cap crafted by Shada Moddar Dharsi & Brothers, well-known cap makers from Zaveri Bazar, Bombay. This beautifully made boat-shaped Marathi cap features exquisite Kashmiri hand embroidery and represents a fine combination of Northern Indian needlework and Western Indian tailoring tradition.
Such caps were traditionally worn during marriage ceremonies and festive occasions in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The elongated boat shape with pointed ends and a low crown is typical of Marathi ceremonial headwear. The floral embroidery, executed in sozni or aari stitch, shows exceptional craftsmanship with shades of rust, orange, turquoise, green, and lilac, forming elegant vine and flower motifs. The interior is lined with satin and bears the original maker’s mark reading “Shada Moddar Dharsi & Brothers, Cap Makers, Zaveri Bazar, Bombay.”
This unique blend of Kashmiri artistry and Bombay workmanship makes it a rare collectible example of pre-independence Indian textile heritage.
Era: Circa 1930s–1940s
Maker: Shada Moddar Dharsi & Brothers, Cap Makers, Zaveri Bazar, Bombay
Embroidery Origin: Kashmir, India
Region of Use: Maharashtra and Gujarat
Shape: Boat-shaped (elongated oval with pointed ends)
Material: Handwoven cotton with satin inner lining
Embroidery Type: Kashmiri sozni / aari hand embroidery
Motifs: Floral and leaf patterns with central rosette on top
Thread Colors: Rust, orange, turquoise, green, and lilac
Use: Traditional ceremonial or marriage headwear for men
Dimensions: Approx. 10.5 x 5 x 3 inches (26.5 x 12.5 x 7.5 cm)