KANTHA EMBROIDERY
Kantha, an embroidery-cum-quilting textile technique, has been traditionally practised by women in West
Bengal. Traditionally, layers of recycled cotton fabrics would be quilted and embroidered with motifs,
with running stitch, to create a strong, functional, charming and multipurpose textile. Women created
Kanthas as gifts for family, relatives and friends. As the Kantha craft travelled to the 21st century, it
absorbed and reflected the changes of the times. Women started using new, single-layered fabrics for
Kanthas, using silk as well as cotton and creating Kanthas for sale. A variety of traditional motifs drawn
from beliefs, mythology, nature and everyday life as well as non-traditional motifs are embroidered
on contemporary Kanthas. Kantha sarees are meticulously designed with motifs for the field, borders
and
pallav
making pleasing compositions. Kantha dupattas, attire, cushion covers and linen are also
embroidered on single-layered fabrics. Their singular charm has seen them being sought after by textile
lovers from across the country and the world! The textile featured above is created by
Takdira Begum
.
C-801, Godrej Coliseum, Behind Everard Nagar,
Off. Somaiya Hospital Road, Sion (East), Mumbai – 400 022
