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Parsi Embroidery

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128 views

Parsi Embroidery

Uploaded by

sanyakhandaria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PARSI EMBROIDERY

Introduction to
Parsi Embroidery
◦ Parsi embroidery, known for its
intricate detailing and Persian
influence, is a rich art form primarily
used in traditional garments like gara
sarees, symbolizing elegance and
craftsmanship.
Historical
Background
◦ Parsi embroidery has roots in Persia, brought
to India by the Parsi community. It evolved by
blending Chinese, Persian, and Indian
techniques and motifs over centuries.
Popular
Motifs
◦ Key motifs include roosters, peacocks,
phoenixes, butterflies, and unending
knots, representing beauty, luck, and
eternity, often framed by floral
borders in Parsi embroidery.
◦ Rooster:
◦ The rooster symbolizes courage and vigilance. It's one of the most
prominent motifs, often depicted with bright, vibrant colors and
intricate feather details

2. Peacock:
•A symbol of beauty and immortality, the peacock is intricately
embroidered with its graceful feathers fanned out, often depicted
in shades of blue and green.
water lily
Sun and Tree of life

Fish gara

Birds
Unending knots

Chinese baskets symbolizing plenty, within their space.


Types of Parsi Embroidery

◦ Parsi embroidery is featured in gara sarees,


topi (caps), jhavla (jackets), blouse stitching,
and home accessories like cushions and wall
hangings, embodying tradition and grace.
Stitches Used in Parsi
Embroidery
◦ Common stitches include satin stitch,
◦ French knot,
◦ chain stitch,

◦ and seam stitch.


◦ These add texture and dimension, creating detailed
designs on fine silk fabrics.
Traditional Colors
and Fabric
◦ Vibrant colors like red, blue, green, and
gold are embroidered on silk or satin,
creating luxurious garments for weddings
and special occasions in Parsi culture.
Influence from
Persia
◦ Persian art and motifs heavily influenced
Parsi embroidery, especially in the use of
floral patterns, mythical creatures, and
geometric designs, blending Persian
heritage with Indian artistry.
Modern
Applications
◦ Today, Parsi embroidery is not limited to
garments but extends to home decor, bags,
and accessories, blending traditional
craftsmanship with contemporary fashion
trends.
Chamba Rumaal
of Himachal Pradesh
◦ traditional hand-embroidered square cloth
that shares similarities with Pahadi
(mountainous) embroidery from the
region. Both these art forms reflect the rich
cultural heritage of the hill communities,
particularly in the Kangra, Chamba, and
Kullu valleys, and are known for their vibrant
colors, intricate designs, and storytelling
through art.
Motifs and
Themes:
◦ Both Chambar Rumaal and Pahadi
embroidery often depict scenes from Hindu
epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, or
images of local gods and goddesses.
Common motifs include figures of Radha-
Krishna, Gopis, and other divine characters,
reflecting the region's religious devotion.
Rumaal scenes from the
◦ The embroidery on Chambar Rumaal, like ramayana
other Pahadi designs, frequently incorporates
motifs of nature, such as flowers, birds, and
trees, inspired by the lush environment of the
Himalayan foothills.
Stitching
Techniques:
•Double-Sided Embroidery: One of the most
distinctive features of the Chambar Rumaal is its
double-sided embroidery, meaning the design is
identical on both sides of the fabric. This technique is
also seen in some Pahadi embroidery styles, where
skilled artisans use needlework that ensures no
visible knots or thread ends on either side.

•The stitch used in Chambar Rumaal is often the do-


rukha tanka (double satin stitch), while similar
Pahadi embroidery styles also utilize fine satin
stitches, backstitches, and chain stitches for outlining
motifs.
Color
Palette:
•Both Chambar Rumaal and Pahadi
embroidery use vibrant, natural colors like reds,
greens, blues, yellows, and pinks. Traditionally,
these colors were derived from natural dyes,
reflecting the region’s connection to nature.

•The color schemes are often bold yet


harmonious, enhancing the folk-art quality of the
designs. In the past, these bright colors
symbolized auspiciousness and joy, especially in
wedding or religious contexts.
Pahadi miniature
paintings
◦ renowned style of Indian art that emerged in the
northern hill regions of India, particularly in the
states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and
parts of Punjab, during the 17th to 19th
centuries. These paintings are known for their
intricate detail, vibrant colors, and delicate
expressions, reflecting the culture, nature, and
mythology of the region. The Pahadi style
evolved into various schools, the most famous
being the Kangra, Basohli, Guler, and Chamba
schools, each with its unique characteristics.

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