The creation of our Nakshi Kantha scarves and shawls is a lengthy process, laboriously undertaken in the verdant villages of rural West Bengal, under the auspices of 60 year old Takdira Begum. A national awardee for her Kantha work, she has a 100 skilled women artisans to hand embroider this beautiful fabric.
The first step in this process is the design of the pattern to be embroidered, which is then drawn onto tracing paper. This is done by Takdira Begum. Next, the lines of the pattern are punctured with a pin and the paper is then laid over the silk fabric. A paste of chalk and turpentine is then rubbed over the paper, and seeps through the small pin-holes onto the fabric below.
Now the silk has the pattern lines traced onto it. It's ironed and distributed amongst the artisans who take it home and stitch the kantha. Once complete, the fabric is hand washed several times to remove any stains and the tracing lines. Any variations or irregularities are part of the design and inherent to the production process.
These beautiful, hand embroidered Nakshi Kantha Scarves are works of art. Nakshi kantha is a traditional running stitch from Bengal, made up of motifs influenced by religion, culture and the lives of the women stitching them. These silk scarves are covered in all-over, illustrative embroidery and showcase the finest of the Nakshi Kantha tradition. They are truly ‘one of a kind’.
Our scarves can be worn wrapped around the shoulders, shawl-style; they're soft enough to scrunch up and wear scarf-style around the neck; and beautiful enough to add a home accent draped over a sofa or hung on a wall.
Slight variations in price reflect the amount and complexity of the embroidery or size of each unique scarf.
Made from 100% silk in West Bengal, India. Kantha stitch is made using cotton thread. Measures 200cm by 50cm (79” by 20”) with small variations.
Dry cleaning recommended. (NB: this scarf may retain faint trace lines which will come out with wear and cleaning).
Entirely hand made processes mean this item is eco-friendly. All materials are natural and thus bio-degradable.
The handwork is exclusively done by women from highly marginalised communities. This work provides their only opportunity for earning income in their villages. The home-based work is suitable for all women and prevents urban migration.
By maintaining highest quality levels and use of traditional techniques and motifs ensures this ancient skill is preserved.
