Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn and Kantha is perhaps the oldest forms of Indian embroidery as it can be traced back to the first and second centuries A.D.
Kantha, an exclusive form of an art originates from the culturally rich and diverse – Bengal. This embroidery very significantly symbolizes and displays the skill and talent of the rural women in Bengal.
A method evolved for recycling of old fabrics, Kantha has been adapted to all kinds of design language and sensibilities.
Traditionally this embroidery used for quilts, dhotis and sarees, now over time has evolved and made its way right into the heart of Indian fashion.
The most interesting bit about this craft is its source of inspiration. The motifs designed are inspired by the simple aspects of Mother Nature, ranging from birds, animals, folk scenes to the cultural influences of that time.
The hand work of Katha was earlier restricted to women, using their free time to show-case their art skill. The ladies of the high class would do the embroidery on their quilt handkerchief and other cloth pieces for personal use or to gift as a token of remembrance to the near and dear ones.
The tradition of this embroidery skill is passed from one generation to the next by the mothers.
Weavers Studio’s has been instrumental in putting forward this age old traditional craft out into the diaspora of crafts and creations and helped innovative designs which are influential design pieces cutting across borders, cultures and contemporary techniques.
They have recently showcased their exclusive Kantha design collection at The India Craft Design Week held at Ahmedabad. This show focused on supporting craft and crafts persons and fostering collaborations between crafts persons and designers that will take Indian craft to the world stage.
Owing to this impeccable piece of art, Weavers Studio is glad to be working towards reviving and reconstructing Kantha in this contemporary age!
Address: 5/1Anil Moitra Road, Ballygubge Place, Kolkata – 700019. Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm. Ph: 033-2440-8926.