Skip to main content

Indian Embroidery with Chinese genesis and Persian endowment - The Parsi Embroidery.

India has diverse culture with equally diverse art form. Each art form has its own history and cultural importance. In this blog we will view the embroidery which has glimpse of different cultures.
Parsi embroidery is a idiosyncratic legendary. This Praise worthy art was born in the country of Iran during the bronze age, but with passing of time it found influence of European, Chinese, Persian and Indian culture. 

Origin
The Parsi embroidery is originated when Persian traders travelled to China from India. The persion gifted beautiful embroideried silk of China to their women. When Persian settled in India as Parsi they bring with them gara embroidery. There are lots of refined craft that took place in India. This makes their craft unique and show case their identity as Parsi embroidery .

Specific characteristic of the embroidery 
Superior of craftsmanship 
Superior of craftsmanship can be seen in the Parsi embroidery  Sarees with beautiful embroidery in pastel shades and pale white which were also called Gara embroidery sarees
Since many centuries Parsi embroidery sarees present the culture and tradition of the Parsi community. The Gara Saree represents exquisite and smooth embroidery with charming colors it signifies unique grace and techniques of Gara embroidery. 
The Saree embroidered all four sides and takes almost six months to complete this is the reason, the Saree embroidery work become monotonous and intricate. The women who do the needle work of embroidery suffer from falling eye sight, which makes the work taboo. 
Thus, the Gara embroidered Saree is one of the Parsi family heirloom. Not only are they possession of marvel and delight,  it’s work makes worth every penny of Saree cost as it is one among costliest Saree. 
The talk of Parsi women is “how many Gara Saree do you have? “ this shows richness of Gara Saree one among costliest Saree due to finest embroidery on the Saree. 

Description 
The golden period of Parsi embroidery is between  1910 and 1930. The popular motifs in the embroidery were the Chinese phoenix and the cranes,  while fish is also one among popular motifs wherever the flowers and scenarios were main motifs. 
With running of time, lighter version of embroidery came in place of heavier embroidery art, which lead to enriching of Indian textile. Now a days other materials were used by the weavers for embroidery like Georgette and chiffon instead of silk. 

Conclusion 
Parsi embroidery had been extinct, had not unanticipatadlly increases in the demand of embroidery due to effort taken by few fashion designer who redefine the embroidery and save the art to fade away. Though the Gara Saree is more in to the collection in present days. The embroidery is one of the important part of the Indian textile. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Traditional Folk Art - Kantha Embroidery

One of the oldest and most famous forms of Indian embroidery from West Bengal and Orissa. Rural women practice this embroidery and pass it on to generations and it is also a common dowry tradition. These women not only embroidered the Kantha work on appeals but in décor also. The best thing about Kantha is that it didn’t need any additional ornamentation to make it look amazing and the reason it can be used in different forms and for various purposes. History Searching history first story believed that the earliest written record is earlier than 500 years ago. The poet krishnadas kaviraj wrote in his book Sri Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita how Chaitanya’s mother sent a homemade Kantha to her son in Puri. Kantha had quiet beginnings in the rural setting of Bengal and almost vanished in the early 19th century. Another story is believed that Lord Buddha and his discipline use old rugs with different kinds of patchwork to cover themselves and th...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Traditional Craft of Punjab - Phulkari Embroidery

In the 15th century, phulkari embroidery was first begun by the women folk of Punjab. A tradition of Punjab with bright and vibrant colors the phulkari is consist of two words phul means Flowers and kari mean Work. word phulkari means floral work but it is not only restricted to floral designs it also includes various motifs and geometrical patterns and shapes. The embroidery has its charm and is popular not only in India but worldwide.   Origin There are various theories about the origin of phulkari. One among them is embroidery was prevailed in most of India, But survived in Punjab. You can see a glimpse of it in Kashida of Bihar, And some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.  Another view is that the embroidery came from Iran, in there it is known as Gulkari. However, pal (1960) notes that both the style phulkari and Gulkari are distant. Ancient texts, folk legends, and literature of Punjab have references of phulkari. In Harshcha...
Post a Comment
Read more

Unusual Art of Himachal Pradesh- Chamba Embroidery

The chamba rumal is an embroidered handicraft that was once promoted in the rule of chamba kingdom. It was a common item of gifts during marriages. The chamba has been registered for protection under TRIPS agreement. It was also listed as “chamba Rumal” under the GI act 1999 of government of India.  History and origin The word Chamba rumal gets it name from chamba hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The chamba rural is originated and flourish during 18th and early 20th century, due to theme being similar to miniature painting, it also known as painting in embroidery.  Chamba rumal embroidery were gifted in the wedding ceremonies and rituals during 17th century. Gradually local craft people, especially woman, began to spread and practice the art.  Stitch techniques   Inspiration for the chamba rumals is derived from the combination of miniature art with embroidery. They are commonly in square or rectangle fabric size. The...
Post a Comment
Read more