7C. Embroidery Embroidery is the art of surface ornamentation of fabric with threads of silk, cotton, gold or silver using needle or needle like tools. Embroidery, an ancient art form, referred to as painting with a needle, was practised in many parts of the world. In India too it has been practised from very early times and there is evidence to indicate that embroidery was prevalent all over the country– at all socio-economic levels – from the nomadic cattlemen to members of royal households.
on all kinds of fabrics – from the most coarse cotton and camel wool to finest of silks and pashminas. with all materials and threads – cotton, wool, silk or zari along with cowrie shells, bits of mirror and glass, beads, gems and coins. used in making varied articles – personal clothing, household use, home decoration, offerings for religious places and decorative items for their animals and cattle. Embroidery is generally regarded as a homely handicraft, an occupation that women undertake during their leisure hours, mainly to ornament or decorate articles of apparel or household use.
Nevertheless, certain embroideries became items of trade within country and also in different parts of the world. Let us now have a glimpse into some of the styles, which are being commercially produced today.