“Every stitch of Chikankari tells a story, but does the GI tag help preserve its authenticity?” Lucknow’s Chikankari embroidery, a craft dating back centuries, is not just a fabric decoration—it’s an identity, a heritage, and a livelihood for thousands of artisans. In 2008, Chikankari was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a move that aimed […]
Chikankari and the GI Tag: A New Hope for Artisans? Read More »
“The beauty of Chikankari lies in its stitches, but the hands that create them often remain unseen.” Chikankari, the delicate and intricate embroidery of Lucknow, has long been admired for its elegance and craftsmanship. From royal courts to global runways, this art form has stood the test of time. Yet, behind the scenes, the artisans
The Struggles of Chikankari Artisans: Passion vs. Wages Read More »
“Every handcrafted Chikankari piece carries the soul of an artisan, but in the age of commercialization, are we losing its true essence?” Chikankari, once a symbol of royal craftsmanship, is now battling the effects of mass production and machine-made imitations. While the rising demand has brought this heritage embroidery into the mainstream, it has also
The Fight for Authenticity: The Impact of Commercialization on Chikankari Read More »
“Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.” – Giorgio Armani Chikankari, the exquisite hand-embroidered art of Lucknow, has captivated hearts far beyond the bylanes of Uttar Pradesh. From being an imperial craft of the Nawabs to gracing Hollywood red carpets and Paris runways, this timeless embroidery has traveled across cultures, continents, and centuries. But
Chikankari and Its Global Appeal: A Craft Beyond Borders Read More »
“Every masterpiece begins with a single stitch, and in the heart of Lucknow, Chikankari artisans weave magic into fabric.” Chikankari, the soul of Lucknow’s textile heritage, is not just an embroidery style—it’s a labor of love. Each piece goes through a meticulous process that transforms plain fabric into a work of art. From designing to
The Process of Creating Chikankari: From Thread to Art Read More »
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton The rulers of Awadh, especially the Mughals, were connoisseurs of fine art and culture, indulging in music, poetry, architecture, and handicrafts. Among the many artistic traditions that flourished under their reign, one stood out—Chikankari, a delicate and intricate form
India, a land of rich cultural heritage and vibrant craftsmanship, is home to numerous traditional art forms. One such exquisite craft is Chikankari embroidery, a timeless tradition that has been passed down through generations of skilled women artisans. The Economic Impact of Women’s Empowerment With women constituting 48.46% of India’s population, their economic empowerment can
Empowering Women Artisans: The Story of Chikankari Embroidery Read More »
Luxury, must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. Coco Chanel Chikankari – The Soulful Embroidery of Lucknow
Dastaan-e-Chikankari | Heritage of Chikan Embriodery Read More »