Get your hands on these embroideries from Western India
There is a thriving and diverse collection of a vibrant tapestry of embroidered patterns in Western India, displaying the area's unique traditions and workmanship. West India's myriad of well-known embroidery designs have won the hearts of people all over the world, from the exquisite mirror work of Gujarat to the colorful threadwork of Rajasthan. Check out some embroidery designs from there.
Gota
The embroidery style, originating in Rajasthan, employs Lucknow zari to trace intricate patterns, resulting in diverse surface textures. Gota embroidery exudes a sense of beauty and royalty through the incorporation of natural motifs. Despite its heavily embroidered appearance, Gota-decorated clothing is surprisingly lightweight. It has become a favorite among brides due to its distinct patterns, streamlined style, range of colors, and fabric options.
Shisha
Kutch, in Gujarat, is home to shisha (glass) or mirrorwork embroidery. Beyond purely cosmetic purposes, some cultures consider mirrorwork to be lucky as a means of warding off ill luck and evil spirits from the wearer. Traditionally, skilled artisans would hand-blow the glass, which was then cut into various shapes using dampened specialty scissors. However, glass created in factories today tends to be thicker.
Karchobi
This skilled stitching tradition exists in Rajasthan. Karchobi is a type of raised zari metallic thread embroidery. It is made by stitching flatly across cotton padding. You may have seen karchobi work on bridal and ceremonial costumes. It is also done on velvet, curtains, tent hangings, and upholstery, as well as coverings for animal carts and temple chariots,
Banni
The banni needlework, also known as heer bharat, originated in Gujarat. Banni stitching is renowned for its intricate mirror work and small motifs. The chain stitch pattern on the fabric is used to embellish the mirrors. The complexity and richness of the design of the banni embroidery pattern are its main selling point. The fabric's embroideries are made with silk floss.
Kathiawari embroidery
Exclusively utilizing various stitching methods, this embroidery artfully sews small mirrors into interwoven patterns. For domestic decorations, it features geometric patterns and scenes from mythology or everyday rural life. Nature remains an everlasting muse, inspiring the creation of numerous motifs in the embroidery. Many of the motifs, both geometric and organic, depict realistic and abstract embroidered figures of humans, animals, and birds.
