Author Topic: Needle work (Read 3185 times)

Kudi Nepal Di · « **on:** July 11, 2010, 07:29:16 AM »

Needle work of Punjab is unique, it has beautiful names because of its associations with beautiful aspects of life and the beautiful designs which the dextrous fingers of Punjab's proverbially beautiful women create have such a wealth of forms and motifs that they defy enumeration. Phulkari meaning Flower work, is a spectacular style of embroidery peculiar to punjab and an essential part of everyday life. Almost every ceremony in which women participate is given a touch of additional colour and richness by the use of Phulkari on account of its being considered auspicious and a sign of 'Suhag'. Some of these are called Baghs, literally a garden, Phulkaris, literally flower work, rummals, scarfs. The patterns of needle work done on the bed spreads, chunnis, dupattas (these are head covers) and shirts and Salvars, are still different.

Needle work on phulkaris is done on a deep coloured cotton cloth with striking silk threads. The threads is pierced upwards from underneath the cloth into free-hand motifs, while in the Baghs and Rummals such cloth is worked on the top side only. This type of embroidery is so excellently done that it is hard to distinguish between the left and right or upward and downward side. It has the look of a carpet. The patterns are not restricted or controlled, but bold, free and highly imaginative. The designs and motifs are an expression of the embroiderer's thought and aspirations. These women can stitch a railway train, motorcar, lorry or even a rath (chariot) out of sheer curiosity. Birds, domestic and wild animals in different sizes and from different angels are common. In the whole composition, one often comes across several ornaments such as hansali, tika, karda, ponchi, singhar-patti and guluband. Another peculiarity of this embroidery is that no two Phulkaris are alike. These were traditionally used for wear but now are exported as wall hangings and sewn as jackets etc.

Author Topic: Needle work (Read 3185 times)

Kudi Nepal Di

Needle work

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