Chikankari Embroidery

Chikankari, an intricate embroidery tradition from Lucknow, India, unveils its fascinating heritage in its name, "thread or wire embroidery." This art form holds a rich history, with legends ranging from the Mughal empress Noor Jahan to a kind peasant. While it once graced delicate muslin, today Chikankari adorns an array of fabrics, including cotton, wool, chiffon, and silk, using contrasting colour threads to craft timeless patterns. In and around the villages of Lucknow, this cherished art form thrives, with over 5,000 families dedicated to the craft.