Bolpur-Shantiniketan is the hub of Kantha Embroidery, a colourful embroidery style, particularly on Kantha saree and Nakshi Kantha quilt, located in Birbhum district.
Kantha means rags, evolved out of necessity to drape or protect against cold. The precious silks and muslins when became worn-out, women instead of throwing them away, piled them in layers and stitched.
The term nakshi kantha found even in medieval literature. Kantha was said to be a lady's self expression. The real kantha narrates a story, the emotions and the life of the artist.
Kantha embroidery has been practiced by the rural women of West Bengal for over five centuries, recognition of its elaborate craftsmanship dwindled over the years.
The kantha work, characterized by the running-stitches to form floral and natural motifs on sarees and other garments is always done by hand and the elaborateness and intricacy of the embroidered patterns indicate how 'heavy' or 'light' the saree or garments will be.
The term nakshi kantha found even in medieval literature. Kantha was said to be a lady's self expression. The real kantha narrates a story, the emotions and the life of the artist.
Kantha embroidery has been practiced by the rural women of West Bengal for over five centuries, recognition of its elaborate craftsmanship dwindled over the years.
The kantha work, characterized by the running-stitches to form floral and natural motifs on sarees and other garments is always done by hand and the elaborateness and intricacy of the embroidered patterns indicate how 'heavy' or 'light' the saree or garments will be.
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