chikan embroidery

Chikan Embroidery
Chikan embroidery

Chikankari embroidery is a classic technique handed down in the Lucknow region of northern India. It became popular around the 7th century and is famous for being a favorite of Mughal queen Noor Jehan. According to Hindi dictionaries, chikan means "embroidered on fine cotton" and kali means "embroidery." Chikan embroidery was originally used by royalty and aristocrats in the Islamic court of Lucknow. It developed mainly in Lucknow and reached its peak in the late 19th century.

Originally, Chikan embroidery uses a limited number of embroidery techniques and motifs, taken from the patterns found throughout Islamic memorials, ancient Islamic buildings, and accessory motifs (such as bracelets and nose pins). Vines and floral motifs are particularly common.