Indian Embroideries

Indian Embroideries

KANTHA embroideries. - West Bengal, India.

KANTHA embroideries

The technique was invented to to join layers of old saris, principally for the manufacture it was a way of self-expression by both urban and rural women in the northern region of Bengal.

Kantha embroideries are really simple, they are classified into different types such as Arshilata kantha, baiton kantha, Durjani kantha, Lep kantha, Oaarkanta kantha , Rumal kantha, and Sujni Kantha depending of city of origin, dynasty and material used by the the maker.

Kantha embroideries are generally one of the most simple to make they are in fact made using a simple running stitch and used to wrap valuables and gifts, quilts, jackets or pillows.

KANTHA embroideries design have been used to develop our constellation collection - check our online shop !

Hulkari embroideries. - Punjab, India.

Phulkari its a traditional stitch from the region on Punjab.   The designs are inspired by flowers geometry , they are repeated colorful patterns motifs of  geometrical shapes. The main characteristics of Phulkari embroidery are use of darn stitch on the wrong side of coarse cotton cloth with coloured silken thread.

Punjabi is a embroidery type widely practiced by womens that desing patterns by their skilful manipulation of the darn stitch.

 

Kashida embroideries. -  Kashmir region, India.

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/320951910938556678/

Kashida, also known as Kasida, was originated in Jammu and Kashmir.   Kashida embroidery is created by using thick coloured threads as well as beads to create images inspired by nature such as vines, birds, leaves and flowers and this is one of the defining aspects of this form of embroidery.

 

Zardozi embroideries. - Persian type, India.

https://atelierjen.tumblr.com/post/94554113135/vintage-versaceoopsmore-gold

 

Zardozi is a type of heavy and elaborate metal embroidery on a silk, satin, or velvet fabric base. Designs are often created using gold and silver threads and can incorporate pearls, beads, and precious stones. ... Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. 
 It is used as decoration for a wide range of applications, including clothes, household textiles, and animal trappings.
Historically, it was used to adorn the walls of royal tents,  wall hangings and adorments of regal elephants and horses.
Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. However, today, craftsmen make use of a combination of copper wire, with a golden or silver polish, and silk thread.

Chambarumal embroideries - Himachal Pradesh region, India.

https://www.ibef.org/experience-india/products/chamba-rumaal

The Chamba Rumal or Chamba handkerchief is an embroidered handicraft that was once promoted under the patronage of the former rulers of Chamba kingdom in kashmir, and later adopted in Basohil and Chamba.   

Very skilled women created highly ornamental patterns using untwined thread made of silk.  The embroidery technique adopted, called the dohara tanka or double satin stitch, created distinct identical patterns on both faces of the fabric, which were attractive when viewed even from distance of 10 ft and more.  The stitch figures were adopted themes from the special Mughal art of Chamba miniature paintings; this art form flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. Following the downfall of the Mughal empire many expert artists of this craft migrated to the hill region of Himachal Pradesh.

 

Kasuti embroideries. - Karnataka Region, India.

Detail of a Kali Chandrakala sari, embroidered by Chandrabai Karnataki. (Mala Sinha)

The Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation (KHDC) holds a geographical indications (GI) protection for Kasuti embroidery which provides intellectual property rights on Kasuti to KHDC.

The name Kasuti is derived from the words Kai and Suti (meaning hand- & cotton). The Kasuti embroidery features folk designs, mirror work embroidery and gold & silver thread embroidery (mostly used for weddings). 

 

Chikankari embroideries - Utter Pradesh region, India.

https://www.theheritagelab.in/chikankari-embroidery/  -   image By Ruqaiya Sultan Begum

 Literally translated, the word means embroidery. The name Chikan (Persian meaning "a kind of cloth with needle work".  Traditionally it was exclusively done on white fabric (known as Tanzeb) using white thread.

There are three types of stitch used in Chikankari: Flat stitches. Embossed stitch and Jali, traditionally is the most striking feature of Chikankari, creates delicate net effect on the fabric

 

Kutchy embroideries - Gujarat & Kathiawar, India.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutch_Embroidery

The Kutch embroideries  is a handicraft and textile signature in Kutch, in Gujuarat. This embroidery with its rich designs has made a notable contribution to the Indian embroidery traditions.  The embroidery, practiced normally by women is generally done on fabrics of cotton, in the form of a net using cotton or silk threads. In certain patterns, it is also crafted over silk and satin. The types of stitches adopted are “square chain, double buttonhole, pattern darning, running stitch, satin and straight stitches”. The signature effect of the colorful embroidery sparkles when small mirrors called abhla are sewn over the geometrically shaped designs.

 

 

 

 

 

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