Nakshi kantha

Nakshi Kantha
Geographical indication
Traditional nakshi kantha
Alternative namesনকশি কাঁথা
DescriptionA traditional embroidery art of Bangladesh, West Bengal, Tripura and Barak valley region
CountryBangladesh and India
MaterialCloth, usually cotton
Quilt, 19th century, cotton and wool.
Nakshi kantha

Nakshi kantha, a type of embroidered quilt, is a centuries-old Bengali art tradition of the Bengal region, notable in Bangladesh and Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and part of Assam.[1][2][3] The basic materials used are thread and old cloth.[4] Nakshi kanthas are made throughout Bangladesh, primarily in the areas of Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Bogra, Rajshahi, Faridpur, Jessore, and Chittagong.[5]

The colorful patterns and designs that are embroidered resulted in the name "Nakshi Kantha",[6] which was derived from the Bengali word "naksha", referring to artistic patterns.[7] Early kanthas had a white background accented with red, blue and black embroidery; later yellow, green, pink and other colours were also included. The running stitch called "kantha stitch" is the main stitch used for the purpose.[8] Traditionally, kantha was produced for the use of the family. Today, after the revival of the nakshi kantha, they are produced commercially.[9]

  1. ^ "Nakshi Kantha-Benhal Craft". Bengal Crafts. Archived from the original on 4 February 2009. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  2. ^ Zaman, Niaz (2012). "Nakshi Kantha". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jaismuddim.org was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Ghuznavi 1981, p. 23.
  5. ^ Sirajuddin, Muhammad (1992). Living Crafts in Bangladesh. Dhaka: Markup International. p. 44. OCLC 29737195.
  6. ^ Kantha, Sarees. "Kantha Silk Sarees". sareesofbengal.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  7. ^ "About Nakshi Kantha". Aarong. Archived from the original on 16 October 2015. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  8. ^ Ghuznavi 1981, pp. 23–24.
  9. ^ "History, Uses and Current Condition of Nakshi Kantha". Textile Learner. 9 January 2022. Archived from the original on 14 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.