Chikan Work Views
Chikan kari, was strongly rekindled by Moghul patronization and attained perfection as the exquisite needlework and hand work underwent further honing and refinement.The name chikanhas been derived from the Persian word Chakin or Chikeen meaning a kind of cloth wrought with needle work. Chikan is said to have originated as a court craft, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, by his wife Noor Jahan.during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, by his wife Noor Jahan.
Chikan began as a type of white-on-white (or whitework) embroidery. Traditionally, white threads were used on semi-transparent muslin cloth.[2] However, with the advent of newer fabric types, and changing demands and fashions, chikankari is now also being done on a variety of fabrics including synthetic ones. Chikankari is also available now in various colours. Sequin work is also done on the fabrics along with chikankari to give it an exquisite and glittering look. The fact that chikan embroidery has returned to fashion has resulted in the production of exquisite pieces, but also in products of very dubious taste.[3]
Creation of a chikan work (chikankari चिकनकारी چکن کاری) piece begins with the use of one or more pattern blocks that are used to block-print a pattern on the ground fabric. The embroiderer then stitches the pattern, and the finished piece is carefully washed to remove all traces of the printed pattern.[2]
Heavily embroidered jackets were teamed with saris or lehengas. Colours were muted and sophisticated with touches of silver and gold, crème and beige with gentle hints of black, red and purple. Loved the intricate chikan work and the rich sequined embellishments that Krishna used lavishly to give a festive touch to the creations.
Chikan Work Images
