About Us

Zardozi work is a form of traditional embroidery that has been practiced in India for centuries. The art form is known for its intricate designs, metallic threads, and use of embellishments such as beads and sequins.

The word 'zardozi' is derived from the Persian language, and means 'gold embroidery'. Zardozi embroidery has been practiced in India since the Mughal era, when Persian artisans brought their craft to the country.

Since then, zardozi embroidery has become an important part of India's textile heritage, and is celebrated as a symbol of the country's rich cultural traditions.

Zardozi embroidery is typically practiced on a range of fabrics, including silk, velvet, and cotton. The art form requires a great deal of skill and patience, as each stitch must be carefully executed to ensure that the design is symmetrical and evenly spaced. One of the key features of zardozi embroidery is the use of metallic threads, which add a touch of glamour and luxury to any fabric. These threads are often combined with beads, sequins, and other embellishments, creating intricate patterns and designs that are unique to the art form. Zardozi embroidery is a highly skilled craft, and requires a great deal of training and experience to master.

Many artisans in India learn the art form from their families or from skilled mentors, and the tradition is passed down from generation to generation. Zardozi embroidery has a long and rich history in India, and is celebrated through festivals, exhibitions, and other cultural events. The art form is also taught in many schools and universities, ensuring that it will continue to be passed down to future generations of artisans. In addition to traditional zardozi embroidery, there are also many modern interpretations of the craft, with artisans using a wide range of materials and techniques to create unique and innovative designs.

These modern interpretations have helped to keep the art form relevant and accessible to new generations of designers and consumers. Zardozi embroidery is an important part of India's textile industry, and is used in a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and furnishings. The art form is also popular in the world of fashion, with many designers incorporating zardozi embroidery into their collections. ,zardozi embroidery is a beautiful and intricate art form that is an important part of India's cultural heritage. The art form showcases the country's rich textile traditions, and is celebrated for its intricate designs, metallic threads, and use of embellishments. zardozi embroidery is an art form that is not to be missed.

Why and by whom was Zardozi created?

An ancient craft having roots in Iran of the present day and India is zardozi stitching. The finest fabrics, furniture, and other opulent items have all been adorned with zardozi stitching throughout the long and glorious history of royalty wearing it. The particular cultural conventions of its new homes, however, caused it to change as it spread over the Indian subcontinent.
Zardozi became a status symbol for the ruling class when the Mughal court adopted it during its period of prominence. The Mughals’ taste for luxury and love of the arts are reflected in zardozi, an important part of their cultural and artistic legacy. After spreading to the rest of India, zardozi embroidery became well-known for its design and technique sophistication.
In order to ensure that this wonderful and timeless art form is preserved and elevated so that it can be appreciated and revered by upcoming generations, Zardozi’s legacy has motivated new generations of artists to work in this direction.

DESIGN

In the zardozi work process, we choose a design first, and for that design, we had an inspiration for our collection. After our design process, we start working on a design and pattern, and in that design, we chose our motifs very carefully, with a connection to our culture and with a reflection of a modern woman. Traditional and contemporary aesthetic flourishes are perfectly incorporated in zardozi design, which is known for this ability. An ancient needlework technique known as zardozi, which originated in India, uses metallic threads—typically gold or silver—to produce elaborate and aesthetically arresting designs on fabric.
Each Zardozi design pattern is a work of art that exhibits the artistry of the craftsperson who crafted it by merging a rainbow of colours and patterns. Because of this, Zardozi design truly celebrates ageless beauty. From opulent home furnishings to attire fit for a king, it can be found everywhere.

[ALL DESIGNS ARE DONE BY :TANVIR VORA].

HOW TO MAKE DESIGN

After the design process, we paste our idea on a piece of paper known as butter paper, and then we make a hole in it with a needle machine. That is how we completed our design process.

FABRIC

After we have decided on our design, we will move on to fabric selection. We have a wide range of fabrics to choose from, each with its own definition for understanding zardozi.

zardozi at work in Delhi, 1863. Source: The people of India, Vol IV, ASI collection; Wikimedia commons

DETAILS OF FABRIC

Several factors influence which fabric is used for a Zardozi embroidered project, including the project’s final purpose, the design, and the artist’s preference. Zardozi embroidery frequently uses silk, cotton, velvet, and satin fabrics.

Silk: Because of its sumptuous feel and smooth silk drape, silk is a popular choice for Zardozi embroidery. It is ideal for creating intricate patterns and ornaments due to its durability and strength.

Cotton is another popular fabric choice because it is  functional, and versatile.

Velvet: Because of its lush feel and addition to the silver threads, velvet is popular for Zardozi embroidery. The velvet’s soft surface contrasts beautifully with the metallic threads, which add dimension and intrigue to the piecedesign.

Satin: Because of its luxurious sheen, satin is frequently used for Zardozi work.

The best fabric for Zardozi work takes into account the fabric type, colour, and design. Colors that are bold and brilliant are recommended for creating something complex. When creating something delicate and polished, neutral and subtle hues are preferred.

Cloth selection for Zardozi embroidery is determined by our designer [Tanvir Vora] and the intended feel and appearance of the finished product. The fabric used in Zardozi work, whether silk, velvet, or satin, should highlight and complement the intricate and beautiful motifs created by the Zardozi artisan.

METARIALS

  1. Metallic threads – These are the primary materials used in zardozi work. They come in different types such as gold, silver, and copper, and are available in different thicknesses.
  2. Beads and Sequins – These are small embellishments used in zardozi embroidery to create a glittering effect. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are available in different shapes and sizes.
  3. Silk threads – These are often used in combination with metallic threads to create intricate patterns in zardozi work. Silk threads come in different colors and are available in different thicknesses.
  4. Zari – This is a type of metallic thread that is commonly used in zardozi work. Zari is typically made of gold or silver and is often used to create borders or to highlight specific areas of the embroidery.
  5. Needles – Specialized needles are used in zardozi work to make it easier to work with metallic threads and embellishments. These needles are typically shorter and have a larger eye than regular needles.
  6. Katori – Small metal cups used to hold beads and sequins in place while stitching.
  7. Gota – A type of metallic ribbon used in zardozi work to create borders or add texture to the design.
  8. Kasab – A type of metallic thread that is thinner than zari, used for delicate work and intricate designs.
  9. Badla – A type of wire that is wrapped in metallic thread and used to create 3D effects in zardozi work.
  10. Dabka – A type of metallic thread that is thicker than kasab and used for heavier embroidery work.
  11. Mirrors – Small glass or plastic mirrors that are used in zardozi embroidery to create a reflective effect.
  12. Pearls – Small pearls are sometimes used in zardozi work to add texture and dimension to the design.
  13. Kundan – A type of glass or semi-precious stone that is often used in zardozi embroidery to add sparkle and color.
  14. Aari – A type of needle used in zardozi work to create fine, detailed embroidery.
  15. Mukesh – A type of metallic sheeting that is cut into small shapes and used in zardozi work to add texture and shine.
  16. Mukaish – A type of embroidery that involves attaching small pieces of mukesh to the fabric to create a shimmering effect.
  17. Sitara – A type of sequin that is larger than the traditional sequin and often used in zardozi work to create bold designs.
  18. Salma – A type of metal wire that is coiled and used in zardozi work to create a braided effect.
  19. Naqshi – A type of beadwork that involves attaching small beads to the fabric to create a raised effect.
  20. Batik – A type of wax-resist dyeing technique that can be used in zardozi work to create a unique design on the fabric.
  21. Applique – A type of embroidery that involves attaching a small piece of fabric to the fabric to create a unique design or to cover a damaged area.

What kind of needle is employed in zardosi work?

A special needle designed for the technique is needed for zardozi embroidery. Zardozi needles are used to pull metallic threads through fabrics as opposed to normal embroidery needles, which have a naked eye for threading.
A Zardozi needle is often made from high-quality steel that is both robust and flexible. As a result, the metallic threads may be easily worked with by the needle, resulting in a tidy, precise stitch. The right needle size is determined by the embroidery patterns and the weight of the metallic threads.
To do traditional zardozi work properly, the artist has to have perfect control over the needle. Thus, the needle’s handle must be both cosy and durable.. As a result, the handle is frequently made from bone, ivory, or plastic and ornately decorated.
The proper needle is necessary when dealing with Zardozi to produce beautiful results. The needle needs to be resilient enough to work effectively with the metallic threads while also being strong enough to endure repeated use. The pattern of the embroidery, the thickness of the metallic threads, and the artist’s personal preferences all affect the needle that is used.
The Zardozi needle is crucial to creating the timeless beauty of Zardozi stitching, regardless of whether it is made from the finest steel or embellished with elaborate designs.

 

A Close Look at 3 Different Styles of Embroidery Needles
Embroidery needles are required for all types of needlework, including cross-stitch, needlepoint, and zardozi. The three most popular needles are for crewel, tapestry, and chenille stitching.
Needle for crewel embroidery
A crewel needle, which is often the thinnest of the three types, is perfect for performing fine detail work, such as creating tiny stitches and curves. It is simple to puncture the fabric with their sharp end and stitch straight lines.
needle for chinel embroidery
You should convert to tapestry needles, which are shorter and wider than crewel needles, while working with heavier yarns and threads. They feature a blunter point than crewel needles, which lessens the possibility of threads separating or sticking on the cloth. The finest needles for tapestry for needlepoint and counted cross stitch because of the wide range of textures and designs they allow you to create.

Needle for tapestry embroidery
The largest of the three sizes, chenille needles are perfect for dealing with heavier threads and fabrics like corduroy and velvet. They can penetrate through fabric and thread even the thickest threads because to their long, sharp point and thorough eye. Chenille needles are frequently used in Zardozi art because they can make stitches that are both huge and striking.
Because each type of embroidery needle has unique properties and functions, you should choose one based on the type of needlework being done, the thread or yarn used, and the desired look and feel of the finished product. Using the right needle is essential for creating needlework of the highest calibre, whether using small crewel needles or large, opulent chenille needles.

HOW ZARDOZI WORK DONE ON [KHAAT]

It takes a lot of time and work to create zardozi, in addition to the artisan’s considerable talent and tenacity.
The preparation of the fabric, which must be strong and durable, is the first step in making zardosi. The pattern is then drawn onto the fabric as it is stretched taut on a frame using a pencil or charcoal. After that, the metallic threads are examined for quality, lustre, and colour uniformity before being sorted.
The Zardozi artist then uses a needle with a hook-like end to draw the metallic strands through the fabric. The artist manipulates the needle with their fingertips, holding it like a pencil to stitch into the fabric.Finally, we interweave the metallic threads into the fabric using simple stitches, loops, and knots. The effectiveness of the design in terms of accuracy and aesthetics depends heavily on the artist’s scrupulous attention to detail.
A single piece of zardozi can take several hours, or even days, to make, and the process is laborious and time-consuming. any any any of them. All of them. There aren’t. There aren’t. There aren’t. There aren’t. There aren’t. They put in a lot of effort, and the embroidery is exquisite and durable and shimmers and shines.
Zardozi work pays homage to the grace and beauty of traditional handicrafts, whether they are used to adorn clothing or as decorative accents for the house and accessories. A interesting and fulfilling procedure that respects the human spirit and creative drive is zardozi work.

Types of Zardozi Work

Several zardosi stitch types are now feasible by to these two processes. Let’s group them into their well-known and distinctive categories.

1) Hand Embroidery: Hand embroidery is a fundamental component of traditional Zardozi craft. This genre stands out because to the intricate embroidery and intricate patterns that define it. Because it can take skilled embroiderers hours or even days to complete a single piece, embroidery is considered an art.

2) Shisha Textiles: Tiny mirror shards are used in the hand embroidery known as shisha to create beautiful patterns. The components are painstakingly sewed onto the cloth in a certain order to produce the design. Zardozi embroidery gives a glitzy and sparkling accent to clothing and accessories.

3) Zari Work: Zari work is a subset of Zardozi embroidery and is differentiated by using a metallic thread to make intricate patterns—often gold or silver. The end product is renowned for its dazzling appearance due to the precise manner in which the threads are woven and sewed into the fabric. Zari work is often used to realise traditional Indian themes like paisley patterns and floral motifs.

4) Aari Work: Aari work is a type of Zardozi art in which designs are created with a hook. The capacity to create stunning, intricate designs with uniform, duplicate strands is the distinguishing feature of this craft. Aari frequently work on apparel, accessories, and even furniture.

 

5) Raffia Work and Raffia Crafts: Crafts made from raffia fibres, harvested from the raffia palm tree’s leaves, are known as raffia work, a subset of Zardozi craft. Fabrics are woven from the fibres after they have been coloured and decorated. This form of needlework is well-suited to producing utilitarian goods like baskets, bags, and pouches because of its longevity and earthy aesthetic. In contrast, raffia crafts employ raffia work techniques to make beautiful items like wall hangings and table runners.

6 )Mukesh Work Embroidery: The Zardozi needlework technique has a subset called Mukesh Work embroidery that incorporates small mirror-like elements. For this kind of work, mirrors are generally stitched to a cloth background. Mukesh work is an elaborate embroidery style that is frequently employed in traditional zardozi lehengas from Pakistan and India.

7) Kasuti Work Embroidery: Karnataka, a state in southern India, is where traditional Kasuti Work embroidery originated. It is famous for its intricate and sophisticated designs and is normally done using a needle and thread. Embroidery is frequently done on cotton, and frequently features floral, foliage, and animal motifs. Kasuti work is frequently used to decorate traditional Kannada clothes, such as sarees and dhotis, as it is a fundamental part of the culture.

8) Embroidered by Kutch Work: Kutch Work A subset of Zardozi embroidery, produced in India’s Kutch region, is embroidery. Many vibrant colours and strong geometric designs are present. The embroidery, which is typically done on cotton and silk, is famed for its intricate designs and vibrant hues. The embroidery known as “Kutch work” is a prominent part of the local culture and is used to adorn everything from scarves to sarees.

9) Embroidery with a sequence: Sequence work is an embroidery style that combines trim, sparkling metallic discs, and a type of Zardozi work. By stitching discs onto the fabric in a certain order, intricate designs can be created. Because of its sparkling appearance and intricate pattern, this embroidery style is frequently used to embellish the borders of traditional Indian and Pakistani clothing.

10) Embroidered Motifs: Embroidered Motifs What is zardozi embroidery by minute, recurring motifs. The designs, which could be geometric patterns, flowers, or animals, are usually embroidered onto the fabric. Motifs The versatile embroidery method of embroidery can be used to adorn everything from sarees to clothing.

11) Embroidered with beadwork: Beadwork embroidery, sometimes referred to as Zardozi work, is a type of embroidery that uses tiny, decorative beads. To create intricate patterns and decorations, beads are embroidered onto the fabric using a needle and thread. This embroidery style is commonly used to improve clothing, accessories, and interior design. It is colourful and textured. Because of its unusual appearance, fashion designers frequently use it to add a touch of refinement to their designs. Due of its adaptability and great popularity, beadwork embroidery can be created in a variety of ways an unlimited variety of hues and patterns.

 

12) Dabka work is a type of Zardozi needlework that makes excellent use of small, raised stitches to create the illusion of depth. This craft is renowned for its intricate designs and textured surfaces final product. Dabka is commonly used as an embellishment on garments and accessories because of the depth and texture it brings to a design.

13) Kundan Work: A subset of Zardozi art, Kundan work is characterised by using flat, tiny bits of glass or metal to create a glittering pattern. The pattern is created by meticulously sewing the components onto the fabric in a predetermined order. Kundan embroidery is frequently used to embellish garments and accessories with an elegant and glitzy finish.

14) Aari Tari Work: Aari Tari work is a unique kind of Zardozi embroidery created by combining the Aari and Tari threads. The embroiderer may create a unique design by combining the Aari and Tari stitches. This method is well known for its intricate and delicate designs.

15) Resham Work: Resham work is a type of Zardozi embroidery that stands out for using delicate silk threads to create intricate designs. This style is characterised by its tenderness and capacity to create an elegantly subtle look. Because of the softness and refinement it adds to the design, delicate resham work embroidery is commonly found on clothing and accessories.

16) Gotta Patti : at Work Gold and silver threads create intricate patterns in a lace technique called Gota Patti. Zardozi textiles are renowned for their elaborate and delicate designs, achieved through the meticulous weaving and stitching of threads onto fabric. Gota Patti embellishment is frequently used to bring a bit of glitz and sophistication to the design of apparel, accessories, and home furnishings.

17) Royal Embroidery: A form of Zardozi embroidery with a long and illustrious history, Royal Embroidery is also known as “Durbar Embroidery.” This style of needlework dates back to the Mughal era when it was employed to embellish the clothing of the nobility and kings of the time. Heavy metallic threads, precious and semiprecious stones, and elaborate patterns are signature elements for the zardozi dupatta and zardozi border Embroidery during that period generally displayed the wealth and splendour of the age by being done on expensive textiles like silk, satin, and velvet.

zardozi embroider, 1880. Source: Wikimedia commons

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