Embroidered Narratives of Pahari Embroidery: Design Directory of Traditional Motifs

₹1,750.00

  • Product Code: CRB01

This book illustrates indigenous motifs of pahari embroidery, documents stitches and decorative aspects in details. It brings special focus on single sided embroidery practiced in western Himalayan region known as pahari region. This covers the splendour of pahari embroidery in totality.

The book is the outcome of research initiated in 2009 aimed to document motifs of double-sided Chamba rumals. Later, with continued involvement, it also divulged into single-sided embroidery from the western Himalayan region. This is known as pahari region; both embroidery styles are practiced in this vast region and are called pahari embroidery.

In the field survey, the purpose of making this book was realized where it was observed that the embroiderers were not well versed in drawing elaborate themes known for their intricacies. Moreover, they did not have access to the traditional themes, designs, and motifs. Instead, they drew by looking into calendars or drawing books for any reference while drawing or tracing.

Most of the embroidery centres’ coordinators have known miniature artists and get their rumals or small designs directly from them. But, on the other hand, at the embroiderer's end who is not working in any centres, they make drawings independently or use tracing papers.

However, it was observed that these traced designs lacked clarity, fineness, and detailing. It is also essential to document the indigenous motifs of embroidery as these are the identity of that particular craft. Documentation will make these embroideries more interactive to the readers and help them understand their significance to a large extent.

Therefore, a design directory is developed for the capacity building of artisans, which can be used as reference material to reorient the artisans concerning traditional themes, designs, and motifs. The directory illustrates indigenous motifs of both embroidery styles, i.e., double-sided and single-sided embroidery practiced in the same region. In addition, it also documents indigenous stitches, decorative aspects in details. It will also bring a particular focus on single-sided embroidery, which is lesser-known. Finally, the rich collection of motifs will bring froth the splendour of pahari embroidery in totality.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here today released a book ”Embroidered Narratives of Pahari Embroidery: Design Directory of Traditional Motifs” written by Dr. Rohini Arora.

While appreciating the efforts of the author, Chief Minister said that the book would go a long way in capacity building of artisans and could be used as reference material to reorient the artisans concerning traditional themes, designs, and motifs.