Chikankari – The Art of Elegant Threadwork
Chikankari is a traditional hand embroidery style from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with origins tracing back over 200 years to the Mughal era, particularly under Empress Noor Jahan's patronage. The word ‘Chikan’ stems from the Persian word Chikeen, meaning embroidery, and it has become a cultural symbol of Awadhi craftsmanship. This intricate embroidery is done entirely by hand on fabrics like cotton, muslin, georgette, and mulmul. The process involves printing patterns with washable ink and then embroidering over them using over 40 stitch types, such as shadow work, jaali, murri, phanda, and bakhiya. Known for its elegance and subtlety, Chikankari traditionally uses white or pastel threads, though modern versions incorporate vibrant colors and diverse fabrics. Each piece reflects hours—or even days—of skilled work by artisans, mainly women from rural backgrounds, making Chikankari a symbol of slow fashion rooted in heritage. Today, while remaining true to its roots, Chikankari continues to evolve, blending into contemporary fashion while supporting artisan communities and preserving a centuries-old art form.
