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Kantha

Kantha is a traditional embroidery and quilting technique from the Bengal region, encompassing present-day West Bengal in India and Bangladesh, where layers of old or discarded cotton fabrics such as saris, dhotis, and lungis are repurposed and joined using simple running stitches to create functional textiles like quilts, wraps, and mats.^[1]^[2] The term "kantha" derives from the Sanskrit word for "rags," reflecting its origins in sustainable recycling practices among rural women who transformed worn-out garments into warm coverings for beds, infants, and daily use.^[3]^[2] Historically, kantha dates back to at least the 16th century, with the earliest literary reference appearing in the 16th-century text Chaitanya Charitamrita.^[4]^[2] Traditionally a domestic craft practiced exclusively by women in rural households, it served practical purposes amid poverty and scarcity, evolving from utilitarian items to narrative artworks that depict daily life, folklore, and nature.^[1]^[5] The technique declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the influx of inexpensive machine-made textiles but experienced revivals, notably through cultural promoters like Gurusaday Dutt and Rabindranath Tagore in the 1930s, and post-1971 initiatives by organizations such as BRAC in Bangladesh and self-help groups in West Bengal.^[4]^[2] Kantha embroidery employs a variety of stitches beyond the basic running stitch, including chain, satin, backstitch, and herringbone, often arranged in rippled or wavy patterns to secure layers and embellish motifs.^[2]^[4] Designs range from geometric par (pictorial) motifs inspired by local alpona floor patterns to intricate nakshi (figured) scenes featuring lotuses symbolizing purity, birds, animals, and human figures from mythology or village life, all drawn freehand or traced with chalk on up to seven layered fabrics.^[1]^[2] Culturally, kantha embodies Bengali identity, sustainability, and women's creativity, serving in rituals like weddings and as heirlooms that transmit stories across generations; its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage element, inscribed by UNESCO on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, underscores its role in community bonding and economic empowerment for female artisans.^[4]^[6]^[5] In contemporary contexts, kantha has transitioned from folk craft to global fashion and art, with modern adaptations on silk and fine fabrics producing items like designer saris, scarves, and home decor, while initiatives promote ethical production to preserve techniques amid commercialization.^[2]^[5] This evolution highlights kantha's enduring appeal as a symbol of resourcefulness and aesthetic innovation rooted in Bengal's textile heritage.^[3]^[2]

History

Origins

Kantha embroidery originated in the undivided Bengal region, encompassing present-day West Bengal in India and Bangladesh, where it emerged as a practical craft among rural communities.^[7] The patchwork style of kantha has been linked to Buddhist monks' patched robes from as early as the 1st–2nd centuries CE, and the earliest literary reference to kantha appears in the Chaitanya Charitamrita (16th century).^[4] While specific surviving examples of Kantha date to the early 19th century, the craft developed from the thrift practices of rural women in impoverished households, who layered and stitched discarded saris, dhotis, and other cotton garments to create functional items, recycling materials in a resource-scarce environment.^[8]^[9]^[4] Early Kantha motifs drew significant influence from Buddhist and Hindu traditions prevalent in Bengal, incorporating symbolic elements that reflected spiritual and cultural beliefs. The lotus flower, a central motif associated with purity and prosperity in Hindu iconography, frequently appeared as the focal point in designs, while Buddhist references, such as the "chhinna kantha" (tattered cloth) worn by Siddhartha Gautama during his renunciation, underscored themes of simplicity and detachment.^[7]^[10] Fish symbols, often depicted in circulating patterns, symbolized fertility and abundance, blending with these religious influences to form protective and narrative embroidery.^[10] Prior to colonial times, Kantha served essential domestic purposes in Bengal's rural, low-income households, primarily as warm bedding (known as lep), coverlets (sujni), and baby wraps to provide insulation and comfort during cooler months.^[9] These quilts were crafted informally by women, passed down through generations as a form of household economy and familial bonding, with brides traditionally preparing several Kanthas as part of their dowry.^[4]

Evolution

During the medieval period spanning the 12th to 18th centuries, Kantha evolved from a basic utilitarian craft of recycling old cotton fabrics into layered quilts and mats to a more decorative form featuring narrative embroidery. This transformation became evident by the 17th century with the development of nakshi kantha, which incorporated intricate geometric and figurative patterns depicting daily life, folklore, and nature. Motifs such as the Tree of Life and paisley designs enriched Kantha's aesthetic value beyond mere functionality.^[2]^[9] The colonial era from the 19th to early 20th century marked a period of decline for Kantha, as British industrialization flooded Bengal with inexpensive machine-made textiles and imports, diminishing the demand for hand-stitched recycled goods and forcing many rural women into alternative labor. This economic pressure nearly erased the tradition, rendering it a "lost art" by the 1930s outside private collections. However, the Swadeshi movement, which gained momentum in the 1920s as part of broader anti-colonial efforts to boycott foreign goods, catalyzed an early revival by encouraging the production and appreciation of indigenous crafts like Kantha, fostering national pride in local textile heritage.^[2]^[11] Post-independence from 1947 onward, Kantha received institutional recognition and support through government bodies such as the All India Handicrafts Board, established in 1952 to advise on the development and preservation of traditional crafts, including initiatives to train artisans and market their work. This era solidified Kantha's status as a cultural art form, transitioning it from domestic obscurity to a symbol of national heritage. A pivotal figure in this trajectory was Gurusaday Dutt, who in the 1930s actively documented over 2,500 Kantha pieces and promoted them via exhibitions, such as the 1932 folk arts display at the Indian Society of Oriental Arts in Calcutta, culminating in the posthumous founding of the Gurusaday Museum in 1961 to showcase and safeguard the tradition.^[12]^[13]^[2]

Etymology and Terminology

Etymology

The term "kantha" originates from the Sanskrit word kanthā (कन्था), which refers to a "patched garment" or "rag," typically denoting worn or layered cloth assembled from scraps.^[14] This linguistic root reflects the craft's humble beginnings in recycling old textiles, evolving in Bengali dialects to specifically describe a form of run-stitch embroidery on layered fabrics.^[15] In ancient Sanskrit literature, such as Bhartṛhari's Vairāgyaśataka (circa 7th century CE), kanthā describes the simple, patched attire of ascetics, symbolizing detachment and frugality, a practice also echoed in early Buddhist traditions where monks wore patchwork robes to emulate rice fields in Magadha.^[14] Over time, the term has been adapted in regional contexts, particularly in Bengal and Bihar, to encompass embroidered quilts and coverings. While "kantha" broadly applies to the run-stitch technique and its products, it is distinguished from related terms like "sujani," a Bihar-origin embroidery derived from Persian sozni (meaning "needle") or Sanskrit elements implying "well-stitched," which emphasizes ceremonial bed covers with chain and fill stitches rather than the freer running stitch of kantha.^[16] Similarly, "nakshi kantha" specifies an ornamental variant of kantha, where nakshi (from Bengali naksha, meaning "design" or "pattern") highlights intricate motifs on the quilted surface, setting it apart from the plainer, utilitarian forms of the root craft.^[14]

Types of Kantha

Kantha embroidery is traditionally classified into several distinct types based on their intended purpose, size, and construction, reflecting the practical needs of rural Bengali households. These forms typically involve layering and stitching recycled fabrics, with variations in scale and embellishment determining their use as everyday items or ceremonial pieces. The primary traditional types include Archil, Baiton, Oaar, Rumal, Lep, and Durjani, each adapted for specific functions such as wrapping, bedding, or personal accessories.^[17] Archil, often referred to as Archilata Kantha, consists of a simple single-layer wrap or cover designed for daily wear or as a light covering, featuring broad, colorful borders with assorted motifs for decorative appeal.^[18] It serves practical roles like toilet accessories or mirror covers, emphasizing minimal layering to maintain lightness and portability in everyday use.^[17] Baiton Kantha takes the form of a square quilt or wrap primarily used for children, such as swaddling or covering valuables like books, and is characterized by elaborate multi-row borders in vibrant colors often incorporating animal motifs for playful protection.^[18] These pieces highlight the nurturing aspect of Kantha, with patterns that evoke folklore and daily life to engage young users.^[17] Oaar Kantha is a rectangular bedding quilt assembled from multiple layered fabrics, serving as a sturdy pillow cover or floor spread with simple central designs accented by decorative edge borders for added elegance.^[18] This type prioritizes durability for bedding, using the running stitch to bind layers effectively against wear.^[17] Rumal Kantha, the smallest variety at handkerchief size, functions as an embroidered personal cloth for wiping or covering plates, adorned with intricate borders and a central motif like a lotus for symbolic purity and utility.^[18] Its compact form suits portable daily needs, with fine stitching that showcases the embroiderer's precision.^[17] Regional variations in Kantha types further distinguish practices across Bengal, with pieces from Bangladesh often exhibiting heavier, more densely embroidered motifs reflecting rural narratives and talismanic symbols, while those from West Bengal tend toward lighter, understated designs with elegant simplicity suited to urban influences.^[19] This contrast arises from historical access to materials and cultural expressions, yet both maintain the core ethos of recycling and resilience.^[7]

Materials and Techniques

Materials

The primary material for traditional Kantha quilts consists of old cotton saris, dhotis, and lungis, which are recycled and layered together to form the base structure. These worn fabrics, softened through repeated use and washing, are typically arranged in four to seven layers to create a padded, insulating effect without additional batting.^[20]^[21]^[22] Threads used in Kantha stitching are derived from the recycled colored cotton borders of old saris, providing vibrant hues that are already color-fast from prior exposure.^[21]^[20] The tools employed are minimal and reflect the artisanal nature of the craft: simple steel needles for the running stitches. Borders for threads are torn by hand, while main fabrics are cut to size, avoiding scissors to preserve the organic quality.^[21] This use of recycled materials underscores Kantha's sustainability, particularly in rural Bengali households, where upcycling old textiles reduces waste and repurposes everyday discards into functional items like wraps or mats, embodying resourceful thrift.^[21]^[20]

Stitching Methods

The foundational stitching technique in traditional Kantha embroidery is the running stitch, which involves closely spaced, minute stitches worked through multiple layers of fabric to create a subtle ripple effect on the surface.^[20] This simple yet versatile stitch serves both functional and decorative purposes, holding the layers together while allowing for intricate patterning through variations in density and direction. A variety of other stitches, including up to 13 types such as backstitch, chain, satin, and cross, may be employed for outlining and embellishing motifs.^[4] Backstitch is often used for outlining motifs, providing definition before filling with running stitches, and other complementary stitches such as darning or satin may be used sparingly to enhance specific areas.^[4] The layering process begins with the careful preparation of old fabrics, typically discarded cotton saris, dhotis, or lungis, which are first washed to soften and remove any sizing.^[20] These are then cut to size, stacked in four to seven layers—often with lighter colors on the exterior for better visibility of the stitches—and basted loosely with large temporary stitches to secure them before the permanent embroidery begins.^[23] Threads for stitching are commonly extracted from the colored borders of the saris themselves, ensuring sustainability and color harmony.^[20] This preparation transforms worn-out materials into a durable, lightweight quilt suitable for warmth without added batting. Creating a single Kantha quilt is highly time-intensive, often requiring three to six months of dedicated work, particularly during the winter months when women in rural Bengal communities gather to stitch collaboratively.^[20] The process demands patience, as the dense running stitches must cover the entire surface evenly, with each piece reflecting hours of communal effort passed down through generations.^[23] Variations in stitch density distinguish utility-focused Kanthas from more decorative ones; straight, even lines of running stitches provide structural integrity for everyday items like bedcovers, while wavy or rippled patterns—such as the lohori style—add aesthetic texture to ceremonial pieces.^[24] These adaptations allow the technique to balance practicality with artistic expression, with denser stitching enhancing the quilt's thickness and visual depth.^[4]

Motifs and Designs

Traditional Motifs

Traditional Kantha embroidery is classified into two main types: par kantha, featuring geometric and pictorial motifs often inspired by local alpona floor patterns, and *nakshi* kantha, which includes intricate figured scenes depicting narratives from daily life, folklore, and nature.^[1] Traditional Kantha embroidery features a rich array of nature-inspired motifs that draw from the rural Bengal landscape and carry symbolic weight. The lotus flower, often rendered in intricate running stitches, symbolizes purity and spiritual enlightenment, frequently appearing as a central element in quilt centers or borders to invoke divine protection. Fish motifs, depicted in pairs or schools, represent fertility and prosperity, reflecting the importance of riverine life in Bengali culture. Birds, such as peacocks or doves, embody freedom and the soul's journey, embroidered with delicate outlines to suggest flight and grace. The tree of life, a recurring pattern with branching roots and foliage, signifies growth, continuity, and the interconnectedness of existence, commonly placed in corners to frame the entire composition.^[20] Scenes from daily life in rural Bengal are vividly captured in traditional Kantha works, grounding the embroidery in the everyday experiences of the artisans. These include human figures and animals engaged in routine activities, evoking community bonds and domestic harmony, often integrated into narrative panels that tell stories of seasonal cycles.^[20] Mythological elements infuse Kantha with spiritual depth, featuring deities from Hindu iconography in narrative sequences. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, appears in panels holding lotuses or surrounded by coins, embroidered to bless the household with abundance. Durga, depicted in dynamic poses with weapons and mounts, symbolizes protection and triumph over evil, her form outlined in bold stitches amid battle scenes or processions. These motifs, drawn from epics like the Ramayana or local folklore, are arranged in sequential borders or central medallions to convey moral tales and invoke blessings.^[20] Stylized forms provide structural elegance to Kantha designs, balancing the organic motifs with geometric precision. Geometric borders, composed of interlocking diamonds, stars, and zigzags, frame the embroidery and enhance its visual rhythm, often using contrasting thread colors for definition. The paisley or buta pattern, adapted from mango-shaped local flora, features swirling teardrops filled with floral infills, serving as fillers or edge decorations derived from indigenous botanical inspirations. These elements, executed in repetitive motifs, contribute to the overall harmony and portability of the quilts.^[20]

Design Evolution

The design of Kantha embroidery underwent significant transformations during the Mughal era in the medieval period, incorporating Persian influences that introduced intricate floral arabesques and garden motifs inspired by paradise gardens. These elements, such as the Kalka (paisley) pattern and Tree of Life representations, blended with indigenous Bengali styles, enriching the traditional running stitch with more elaborate, interlacing floral designs that symbolized abundance and fertility. This fusion reflected the broader cultural exchanges under Mughal patronage, where Persian aesthetics merged with local textile traditions to elevate Kantha from utilitarian quilts to decorative art forms.^[25]^[26] In the 20th century, following the nationalist Swadeshi movement's emphasis on indigenous crafts, Kantha experienced a revival led by institutions like Shantiniketan in the 1940s, which promoted the craft as a symbol of self-reliance. To facilitate mass production and broader market access, designs were simplified, shifting from densely narrative embroideries to cleaner, repeating geometric patterns and linear stitches that reduced labor-intensive detailing while preserving the running stitch technique. This adaptation responded to economic pressures and the need for commercial viability, allowing Kantha to transition from domestic items to wearable garments like sarees, though it sometimes diluted the intricate storytelling of earlier pieces.^[27]^[28] The 1980s marked a socially driven evolution through women's cooperatives, such as Shamlu Dudeja's Self Help Enterprise (SHE), which empowered rural artisans by providing training and market access, thereby enhancing economic independence while continuing traditional embroidery practices. This period's initiatives served dual purposes: economic upliftment for women and preservation of the craft amid Bengal's evolving social dynamics.^[27]^[29] By the late 20th century, Kantha motifs evolved further from traditional narrative storytelling—featuring folk tales and mythological scenes—to more abstract patterns. This shift emphasized minimalism and geometric abstraction over figurative depictions, aligning with global design trends and the craft's commercialization, while allowing embroiderers greater creative freedom in interpreting personal and cultural narratives.^[30]

Cultural Significance

Role in Society

Kantha embroidery serves as a cornerstone of domestic life in rural Bengali communities, primarily practiced by women who inherit the skill across generations within households. This craft, rooted in resourcefulness, involves layering and stitching old saris and dhotis into functional quilts and garments, promoting economic self-reliance by transforming household waste into valuable items without requiring significant external resources.^[31] As a women-centric tradition, it has empowered thousands of rural women, with estimates indicating over 50,000 artisans in West Bengal deriving supplementary income from it, often earning between 2,000 and 5,500 Indian rupees monthly as of 2023 through local production and sales.^[29]^[5]^[32] Socially, Kantha fosters communal ties through gatherings where women convene in rural settings to stitch collectively, often during afternoon sessions that blend work with conversation and storytelling. These group activities, common in villages like those in Birbhum district, strengthen interpersonal bonds and preserve oral histories among participants, reinforcing the craft's role in sustaining female networks amid daily chores.^[29]^[31] Economically, the practice extends beyond the home via sales at local fairs, such as Sonajhuri Haat near Shantiniketan, where artisans display and sell Kantha products to visitors, providing a vital outlet for income generation since the fair's inception in the late 20th century.^[33]^[34] In March 2025, initiatives like the Coal India Kantha Fair showcased works by 200–250 women artisans, further promoting economic empowerment and cultural preservation.^[35] In terms of gender dynamics, Kantha has emerged as a tool for women's empowerment, particularly through self-help groups formed post-1970s in response to commercialization and NGO interventions. Organizations like the Society for Handicrafts and Ethnographic Research (SHE), established in 1998, organize rural women into cooperative teams offering training, fair wages, and access to markets, enabling financial independence and improved social status for members in areas like Nanoor and Kadambagachi.^[31]^[29] These initiatives, building on earlier post-Partition revivals, have trained hundreds of artisans—such as Mahamaya Sikdar, who mentored over 300 women—and facilitated recognition, including government awards, thereby challenging traditional gender constraints in Bengali society.^[5]^[32]

Symbolism

In Kantha embroidery, motifs serve as a form of visual storytelling, encapsulating the personal fears, hopes, and folklore of the artisans, predominantly rural Bengali women. Common designs draw from daily life and mythology, such as those created for newborns reflecting anxieties over high rates of infant mortality or fertility symbols like fish representing abundance and prosperity. Peacocks, often portrayed dancing, symbolize joy, love, and elegance, evoking celebrations like weddings, while owls associated with the goddess Lakshmi signify wealth and good fortune despite broader folk associations with omens in some contexts.^[9]^[20]^[36] The spiritual dimensions of Kantha imbue the quilts with protective qualities, functioning as talismans against misfortune. Artisans incorporated auspicious patterns, such as the goddess Devi Chandi battling demons on her lion, to invoke triumph over evil, or central lotus motifs denoting purity and divine safeguarding. These pieces, often made for newborns or as prayer mats, were believed to ward off the evil eye and offer affection-based protection to loved ones, blending practical utility with ritual intent. While explicit stitching of mantras is less documented, the repetitive embroidery process itself carried implicit blessings and prayers.^[20]^[9] Kantha's symbolism mirrors Bengal's syncretic cultural fabric, fusing Hindu, Muslim, and indigenous folk elements into cohesive narratives. Hindu deities like Krishna and Radha appear alongside Islamic architectural motifs or Persian-inspired patterns, while local folklore integrates colonial influences such as ships or medallions, illustrating shared religious and social landscapes. This harmonious blend underscores themes of unity and resilience in a diverse region.^[9] Beyond symbolism, the act of Kantha stitching holds therapeutic value, acting as a meditative practice for women to channel unvoiced emotions and personal histories. The rhythmic, running stitches provided a quiet space for reflection amid domestic constraints, allowing expression of joys, sorrows, and aspirations through layered narratives on recycled fabrics, fostering emotional empowerment and community bonding.^[9]

Modern Developments

Revival Efforts

In the 1970s and 1980s, non-governmental organizations in Bangladesh played a pivotal role in reviving Kantha embroidery as a means of economic empowerment for women affected by the 1971 Liberation War. The Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), through its sister organization the Ayesha Abed Foundation, identified skilled artisans in rural areas such as Jamalpur and established production centers and cooperatives to train women in traditional Nakshi Kantha techniques. These initiatives transformed Kantha from a domestic craft into a commercial enterprise, enabling thousands of women to produce embroidered textiles like quilts and clothing for sale, thereby providing sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.^[37]^[38]^[39] In India, revival efforts focused on legal recognition and market access to protect regional variants of Kantha. The Nakshi Kantha embroidery from Birbhum district in West Bengal received a Geographical Indication (GI) registration on 21 January 2008, under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, ensuring authenticity and preventing imitation while boosting local production in areas like Birbhum and Murshidabad. Organizations such as Calcutta Rescue in Kolkata integrated Kantha stitching into their vocational training programs for disadvantaged women, using recycled silk saris to create marketable products like embroidered cushions and apparel, which are sold through outlets in India and abroad to support artisan income. Similarly, the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) incorporated Kantha stitches alongside other embroidery techniques in its handicraft cooperatives, providing training and fair-trade markets for rural women artisans across states like Gujarat and beyond, fostering economic independence.^[40]^[41]^[42] During the 2010s, international exhibitions and fashion collaborations elevated Kantha's global visibility, drawing attention to its artisanal value. Designers showcased Kantha-embroidered garments at events, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics. In 2016, a dedicated Kantha fashion show at ITC Sonar in Kolkata highlighted panels and ready-to-wear pieces, organized by local collectives to promote artisan work on an international stage and secure export opportunities. These platforms not only preserved the craft but also attracted buyers from fashion weeks in Europe and the US, enhancing economic prospects for Kantha makers.^[43]^[44]

Contemporary Uses

In contemporary fashion, Kantha embroidery has been integrated into modern garments by Indian designers, transforming traditional quilting techniques into high-end apparel. Renowned designer Ritu Kumar has pioneered the use of Kantha in upscale collections since the early 2000s, incorporating the running stitch into jackets, saris, and bags to blend heritage motifs with contemporary silhouettes.^[45]^[46] Other labels, such as Abraham & Thakore and Bodice, have similarly adapted Kantha for overcoats, breezy overlays, and dresses, emphasizing its upcycled fabric roots for sustainable appeal.^[45] Beyond apparel, Kantha finds prominent application in home decor, where stitched quilts evolve into functional and aesthetic items like cushions, throws, and wall hangings. These products, often made from layered recycled saris, are widely available on e-commerce platforms such as Etsy and iTokri, catering to consumers seeking artisanal, eco-friendly interiors.^[47]^[48] For instance, Kantha-embroidered wall art and quilted throws highlight intricate floral and geometric patterns, preserving the craft's narrative depth while serving modern lifestyles.^[49] The global export of Kantha products has surged in the ethical fashion sector, particularly since the 2010s, driven by demand for sustainable, handcrafted goods in markets like the United States and Europe. India leads exports, with annual growth of about 15%, supplying quilts, jackets, scarves, and handbags to retailers in the US (valued at USD 150–300 per quilt) and European countries such as the UK, Germany, and France (priced at €140–280 for similar items).^[50] This expansion aligns with fair-trade initiatives, empowering artisans in Bengal through organizations focused on revival, and positions Kantha as a symbol of eco-conscious luxury worldwide.^[51] Despite its rise, contemporary Kantha production faces challenges in maintaining authenticity amid mass-market pressures and counterfeit threats. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag registered for Nakshi Kantha in 2008 aims to protect its regional techniques, yet enforcement remains weak, allowing fakes to proliferate and dilute artisan livelihoods.^[52] Balancing hand-stitched traditions with scaled production often compromises quality, as overlapping crafts like Bihar's Sujani embroidery blur distinctions and enable imitations in global supply chains.^[53] As of 2025, Kantha continues to gain prominence in sustainable fashion, with designers incorporating modern twists on traditional motifs to meet growing global demand for artisanal, eco-friendly textiles.^[54]

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[PDF] University of Tartu - CORE
the Ayesha-Abed Foundation. Together with its sister concern BRAC, the Ayesha-Abed. Foundation revived the Nakshi Kantha tradition in Bangladesh in the 1980s.
[38]
Aarong – An Inspiring Story of Stitches - The Good Feed - BRAC
Nov 2, 2010 · They are adept at embroidering the most beautiful motifs in a technique called Kantha, an ancient embroidery technique where a quilting stitch ...Missing: 1970s 1980s
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[PDF] Details of GI Applications Registered as on March 31, 2025 - IP India
Jul 26, 2024 · 01.05.2014. Handicraft. Andhra Pradesh. 24. 522. Udayagiri Wooden Cutlery ... Nakshi Kantha. Registered. 07.04.2006. Handicraft. West Bengal. 644.
[40]
[PDF] Calcutta Rescue Handicraft Project Kolkata
Calcutta Rescue is a pioneering Indian-registered charity working to improve ... Job Work – Kantha stitch work on recycled silk sarees. Price - 850 INR ...
[41]
Our Craft'woman'ship - SEWA Ruaab
Thread embroidery is carried out with different types of embroidery stitches; Kantha, herringbone, buttonhole, satin, french knots. Through constant effort and ...
[42]
Whatsup 2 - Telegraph India
Oct 2, 2016 · On October 3, we will hold a fashion show of kantha work at ITC Sonar. An exhibition of kantha panels and garments will be on at the hotel ...
[43]
Delhi Couture Week kicks off - YouTube
Jul 28, 2015 · ... kantha embroidery. The color palette was his trademark earthy ... India, 20 July 2010 1. Wide of India fashion Designer Sabyasachi ...
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All about the textile tradition Kantha, and the labels that are keeping ...
May 21, 2020 · Kantha's homespun charm, characterised by the humble running stitch, can be traced back to the rural women of Bengal.
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A Quilted Take on Indian Fashion
Jan 19, 2023 · Ritu Kumar often elevates her signature prints with quilting in jackets. Abraham & Thakore, rooted in Indian crafts and handlooms, offers chic ...
[46]
Kantha Embroidery - Etsy
4.7 1.5K Check out our kantha embroidery selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our baby blankets shops.
[47]
https://www.etsy.com/market/kantha_embroidery
[48]
Kantha Embroidery Wall Decor - Paintings by Shiulee
In stockThis artwork is a celebration of the rich heritage and intricate craftsmanship of Kantha embroidery, meticulously stitched onto luxurious silk fabric.
[49]
Wholesale Kantha Embroidery from Bengal: B2B Opportunities for ...
Oct 9, 2024 · Globally, Kantha embroidery has gained traction in markets across the United States, Europe, and Japan. The demand for ethically produced, ...
[50]
https://ruralhandmade.com/blog/kantha-embroidery-of-bengal-exploring-opportunities-for
[51]
https://pacificexportsimports.com/kantha-jacket-manufacturers/
[52]
GI and the Handloom Copyright Debate | The Voice Of Fashion
Aug 7, 2019 · However, beyond the ethical talk and on-paper pragmatism, the problems of fakes and lack of consumer awareness among others remain looming ...