wild tussar Silk kantha embroidered robe: green floral

Kantha is a tradition of hand embroidering old cloth, using a simple running stitch.  

Over time, kantha has evolved from a simple running stitch into a rich language, depicting motifs influenced by religion and culture and the lives of the women that stitch embroider these scarves.  Deeply rooted in the history and culture of West Bengal, kantha is rich in story & meaning. It has been around for 3000 years! 

More contemporary patterns are geometric, and have a more modern aesthetic. 

This illustrative "nakshi" kantha is time-consuming and laborious.  

Whether it be a plain stitch on old cloth, or highly illustrative embroidery on the finest silk, this humble art form is created today as it has been for centuries: in small, unassuming village homes by women who spend days, weeks & even months on one piece.

This kantha embroidery was created under the auspices or 60 year old Takdira Begum, a national awardee for her kantha work. She works with several women, many of whom she has trained herself.

Material: 100% handwoven wild (tussar) silk

Care: To care for this hand-stitched product, please hand-wash separately in cold water using a mild dtetergent. Do not soak or wring. Drip dry in shade. Use a gentle steam iron.