Chikankari: A Lucknawi Tradition

Chikankari is one of the finest traditional embroideries of India, a symbol of Lucknawi culture and elegant courts of the nawabs of Awadh. Chikankari appeared in Lucknow in
the late 18th century and its exquisite aesthetic and craftsmanship have sustained the tradition to this day, through changing patronage and market trends.

Chikankari is not just about embroidery. Its legendary finesse is based on a creative blend of delicate embroidery with very fine dressmaking and sewing techniques. This beautifully illustrated book showcases unknown gems from personal and public collections and brings to life the history of this unique craft tradition. The various chapters describe the mysterious origins of the craft, the range of costumes, the inspirations behind its motifs, the time-honoured elaborate production process and the bewildering array of stitches that raised this craft to a truly exceptional art form.

About the Author

Paola Manfredi Born in Italy, Paola Manfredi lived and worked in India for over 30 years. With a background in ethnology, she is passionate about textiles and deeply interested in the history of textile exchanges between East and West. Combining scholarly approach and design interactions, she has worked with craftspeople and their traditional skills to promote the excellence of South Asian craftsmanship, particularly in Aari, Chikankari from Lucknow and Nakshi Kantha from East Bengal (today Bangladesh).

She has been associated with international organizations involved with textiles, crafts development and conservation and her work has been shown in exclusive exhibitions in India and abroad.