Needlework
Chikankari~ Traditional Embroidery from Uttar Pradesh
December 14, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Lucknow, in Uttar Pradesh (India), is the centre of chikankari , a skill of more than 200 years old. It literally means “embroidery”. It was originally done with a white thread on a white cloth, hence the name “white embroidery”. Now, it is done on a variety of fabrics and in a spectrum of colours. Chikankari with pearls The many Begums of the Lucknow nawabs, practiced fine chikankari in a bid to vie for the Nawab’s attention. They developed the art and took it to its favoured position amongst the royalty. The British (during their rule on India) influenced chikankari to evolve beyond... [Read the full story]
Wood
Karnataka Sandalwood Carving – The ‘Sandalwood State of India’
December 5, 2009 · Leave a Comment
The Indian state of Karnataka is often referred to as the ‘Sandalwood State of India’. This is due to the stunning sandalwood carvings and craft work found in this southern part of India. The Karnataka state has a large forested area where the trees that yield sandalwood are common. These mainly include the Santalum and Santalaceae trees. Whilst sandalwood can also be found in other parts of the world such as Australia, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands, the type found in Karnataka is considered to be of the highest quality. Sandal wood holds great religious significance in the Indian... [Read the full story]
Stone
Indian Stone Carving in Uttar Pradesh
March 29, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Uttar Pradesh is undoubtedly still a prosperous centre of natural stone carvings on sandstone. The footprints of royal enchantment with regard to stone are generally still observable in the elaborately carved forts as well as palaces. Today the emphasis has shifted to looking at a wide selection of additional stones and items. Creative art enthusiasts can source architectural things that will complement interior features of contemporary residences, such as carved pillars, rails as well as fire places. Modern day artisans discover small-scale merchandise and mementos such as candle holders, ashtrays,... [Read the full story]
Textiles
Traditional Gujarati Mashru Weaving
It’s believed Mashru weaving originated in Arab nations, most notably Iraq. Indeed, the very word comes from the Arabic meaning “permitted”. This name signified the prohibition of pure silk garments for Muslim men due to Islamic Laws. The spread of Mashru weaving was probably aided by the development...
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By Region
Indian Stone Carving in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is undoubtedly still a prosperous centre of natural stone carvings...
Building a Maypole for May Day Celebrations
It’s actually very easy to build a smaller version of the traditional Maypole...
Chikankari~ Traditional Embroidery from Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow, in Uttar Pradesh (India), is the centre of chikankari , a skill of more...
Read More Posts From By Region »
