Seven Types Of Kantha Work And Why We Adore Each Of Them
The story of rise in popularity of Kantha work is pretty interesting. Ever since its commercialisation in the ’80s, it has been popular with women of all ages. Garments with Kantha work are still on high demand on e-commerce websites with fashionistas scourging for sarees, shawls and Kantha work dupattas online.
What Is Kantha Work?
Originating from West Bengal, Kantha is an exquisite form of embroidery. Once done out of pure necessity on used apparel it has, over the time, become an in-vogue fashion trend. The defining element of this embroidery is the running stitch that bring out beautiful motifs of flowers, animals, birds, simple geometrical shapes, scenes from everyday life, mythological themes and folklore in technicolor. The stitching gives the cloth a slightly wrinkled wavy effect. It is now a much loved enhancing adornment for garments with Kantha work sarees, Kantha embroidered dupatta and other fabrics being in high demand.
History of Kantha Work
Legend has it that Lord Buddha and his disciples used to cover themselves with garments made from discarded rags that were patched and sewn together. It is common to find such rags on display at Buddhist shrines. These symbolize prayers offered and are said to ward off the evil eyes. The oldest record of Kantha comes from the early 1800s with blue, black and red threads embroidered on sari borders.
Types of Kantha Work
Based on the use of the fabric, Kantha is divided into seven different types.
● Lep Kantha — This is done on warm covering material over which simple designs would be executed.
● Sujani Kantha — This is done on blankets or clothes used on ceremonial occasions like sarees and patch work dupatta.
● Baiton Kantha — This is done to cover books and other valuables. It is elaborately patterned with borders of colorful designs.
● Oaar Kantha — Simple designs with decorative border sewn around the edges of rectangular pillow covers.
● Archilata Kantha — Wide, colorful borders in assorted motifs done on small, rectangular covers for mirrors or toilet accessories.
● Durjani/Thalia Kantha — Small rectangles with a central lotus design and embroidered borders. The three corners of the rectangle are folded inward to form a wallet.
● Rumal Kantha — A central lotus with ornamented borders done on absorbent wipes or plate coverings.
What is Nakshi Kantha?
Nakshi Kantha is a type of embroidered quilt which traces its origins from Bangladesh and some parts of West Bengal. The basic material used in Nakshi Kantha is thread and old cloth. The name “Nakshi Kantha” is derived from the Bengali word “naksha,” which refers to artistic patterns. It came into being due to the colourful patterns and designs that are embroidered on the cloth. Nakshi kantha dupattas and sarees are very popular among women in India and even abroad.
Where To Buy Kantha Work Dupatta Online in India?
The growing popularity of Kantha has taken the garments like Kantha work dupatta beyond wholesale stores. Almost every ecommerce store now lists Kantha embroidered garments in their fast selling list. These include Kilol, Snapdeal, Shopclues, Itokri etc.
