This pivotal addition to the MFAH collections offers a comprehensive view of Indian textile history.

A celebration of artistic mastery and cultural exchange, From India to the World: Textiles from the Parpia Collection showcases the Museum’s recent acquisition of Indian textiles from the holdings of New York–based Banoo and Jeevak Parpia, who have assembled one of the most significant private collections of its kind outside India.

For centuries, Indian textiles were among the most coveted commodities in the global market. Beginning with early trade networks across Asia and later expanding into Europe through Portuguese, Dutch, and British merchants, Indian fabrics traveled vast distances—bartered for spices, traded by kings, and collected as treasured heirlooms.

From India to the World highlights this long and dynamic history of exchange. Spanning the 17th to the early 20th century, this exhibition offers a rich cross-section of India’s textile traditions, from intricate court silks to boldly patterned cottons, dazzling tie-dyes, and masterfully woven ikats. These works reflect the exceptional craftsmanship and deep regional knowledge of Indian artisans. Each piece is a testament to the technical brilliance and aesthetic range that has made India a global center of textile innovation for centuries.

This extensive selection builds on the 2023 exhibition Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection, further establishing the Museum’s position among a select group of institutions worldwide with a public collection of Indian textiles of this scope and quality. 

Plan Your Visit

• This exhibition is located on the Lower Level of the Beck Building.
• Parking Information | Museum Hours | MFAH Campus Map

From India to the World: Textiles from the Parpia Collection / June 22–September 14, 2025