Home Address:
Sakhina Manzil Madrasapara Jamboni Bolpur, Birbhum West Bengal - 731204

Note:

Kantha is the name of an embroidery and it has somehow become synonymous with the beautiful Bengal Kantha Silk Saris.

Kantha, a patched cloth, is a running stitch worked on a 'lep'. Originally Kantha was used to join layers of old saris to make quilts. The women of Bengal created these to make a light blanket or bedspread. The Sanskrit word 'kantha' means 'rags'. Legend links their origins to Lord Buddha and his disciples who covered themselves with garments made of discarded rags that were patched and sewn together. Historically kantha was never made for money and in its simplest form kantha was invented out of necessity. Pieces made in varying sizes were spread in the courtyard to lay a newborn baby. Light covers were used by adults as a wrap on winter mornings.

Old white Saris or dhotis are layered and sewn together at the edge to prepare the fabric. Coloured threads are painstakingly extracted from old sari borders and used for the actual embroidery. Geometric, floral and, figurative designs are surrounded by rows of intricate borders in a darn stitch which recreates the woven sari border. Finally, the background is covered with minute white quilting stitches encircling the designs and giving the Kantha a rippling effect.

Today Kantha has evolved as embroidery on saris, dupattas and even bedspreads and on new material, without the second layer. Apart from the traditional designs, new designs based on 'Alpana' have been added. The vibrant and decorative motifs resulting in breathtaking designs, helped Kantha embroidery get a foothold in urban groups.