Kutch Embroidery Jacket

Kutch Embroidery Jacket

The cloth I am reading is an intricately Kutch embroidered jacket. Pinks and greens, 

yellows and purple, splashed with mirror work here and there, this jacket is a beautiful example of one of India’s greatest heritage in embroidery work.

The hub of the Kutch embroidery work is basically located in the regions of Kutch and Saurashtra wherein the local artisans churn out the most creative and exquisite designs. The tribal people, peasants and the womenfolk of that region have maintained their tradition, rich heritage and vibrant culture through their distinctive embroidery styles. The Kutch tradition of embroidery basically started off as a hobby amongst women who would embroider an entire outfit for their daughter after the harvest season and thus gather enough garments for her marriage trousseau. From mirror and bead work to usage of silk thread of bright colours, the Kutch embroidery basically ornates the entire fabric and embellishes it completely.

Historically, it is said that Kutch embroidery was brought about by ‘Kathi’ cattle breeders who were brought by the mythological figure ‘Karna’ from the Mahabharata.  Eventually these wanderers settled down and produced some fine needlework which displayed a variety of elements, designs, themes, patterns and moods- and this is how Kutch work was actually originated.  Kutch embroidery has been there for centuries and in the 16th and 17th centuries Kutch embroidery pieces were exported by western countries.  It is also believed that mochis or shoemakers were taught Kutch embroidery 300 years ago by a Muslim wanderer in Sindh and that is what started the tradition.  However, Kutch embroidery has been around in various clans that have produced their own distinctive styles such as Rabaris, Mochis, Kanbis and Ahirs.

A lot of the Kutch embroidery is influenced by various architectural designs and motifs such as the ‘Heer bharat’. Using the Heer Bharat as a mirror is easily fixed in the centre that adds more beauty to the embroidery work. Kutch embroidery is mainly done in colours such as Green, Ivory, Indigo, Black, Deep red, Yellow and off White.

The base fabric of Kutch embroidery work is particularly sturdy, however, owing to the delicate nature of the thread work, bead work and mirror work, the embroidered garments/pieces cannot be hand washed as they are liable to get damaged. Dry clean is the best option to ensure that no damage is caused to the garment.