Exploring Eastern Indian embroidery: From 'kantha' to 'pipli applique'
Eastern India is home to a wealth of fine needlework techniques and is known for its rich cultural heritage. These embroidered patterns have developed through centuries, representing the history, mythology, and culture of the area. They were inspired by the aesthetic sensitivities of many communities. Let us embark on a journey to discover some of the best traditional embroideries from Eastern India.
Kantha
West Bengal's kantha embroidery is a living narrative of stories and emotions. Kantha is typically used by women in rural families to produce detailed motifs on fabrics. The designs created with this embroidery often depict scenes from mythology and daily life. Kantha textiles, be it sarees, quilts, or wall hangings, are not just pieces of fabric but valuable living narratives, passed down through generations.
Pipli applique
The pipli applique from Odisha is a visually striking form of embroidery. Pipli artisans skillfully cut and sew brightly colored pieces of fabric onto a base cloth, creating intricate designs such as animals, plants, and gods. This craft is deeply rooted in the state's culture and is used to make decorative canopies for chariots during the famous Rath Yatra festival.
Tribal embroidery of Nagaland
The symbols and motifs on the tiles of Nagaland serve as both a social rank indicator and a means of identification for the various Aga tribes. This embroidery generally includes intricate diamond, graphic, and tablet-shaped designs. The most conventional designs and motifs are simple straight lines, squares, stripes, and bands that vary in width, color, and arrangement.
Nakshi kantha embroidery
Nakshi kantha is a centuries-old Bengali art culture. The term "nakshi kantha" was given to increasingly complex patterns that evolved over the kantha stitch which included simple, straight and running stitches traditionally. The themes used in nakshi kantha are influenced by culture, religion, and the lives of the women who sew them. However, there is no formal symmetry to this design.
