Beautiful book on Chikankari launched

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 has sustained the tradition to this day, through changing patronage and market trends.

Chikankari: A Lucknawi Tradition, authored by Paola Manfredi and published by Niyogi Books was officially launched at New Delhi in the presence of activist, author and Indian handicrafts curator Jaya Jaitly; along with fashion designer and film producer Meera Ali and renowned filmmaker, fashion designer, poet and artist Muzaffar Ali.

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 it motifs, the time-honored elaborate production process, and the bewildering array of stitches that raised this craft to a truly exceptional art form.