Indian Saree Designs

Gold and silver embroidery has been a revered art form for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 15th century in India. This intricate craft has been practiced extensively across the world, with various techniques and designs emerging in different regions. From the ornate throne seats and elephant trappings of the Mughal Empire to the delicate fabrics of the Portuguese, gold and silver embroidery has been a symbol of wealth, status, and beauty. The Techniques and Materials The art of gold and silver embroidery involves laying gold threads over foundation padding of cotton threads, creating a heavy and formal design. This technique is known as Zardozi and is often used for heavy items such as saddle cloths, umbrellas, and canopies. In contrast, lighter fabrics are embroidered using a technique called kalabattu or karchob, where the gilt wire or spangles are stitched directly to the fabric. The design is typically made on paper, with the edges perforated by small pins or needle