Nakshi Kantha : A Traditional Embroidery Art of Bangladesh

Nakshi Kantha is a traditional embroidery art form that originated in the Bengal region, which includes present-day Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. The name "Nakshi Kantha" comes from the Bengali language, where "naksha" means design and "kantha" means quilt.

Nakshi Kantha is created by stitching together layers of old saris, dhotis, and other cloth scraps using a simple running stitch. The designs are typically geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, and diamonds, as well as floral and animal motifs. The embroidery thread used is usually brightly colored, creating a vibrant and colorful finished product.

Historically, Nakshi Kantha was used to create quilts and blankets for personal use. Women in rural communities would make them by hand for their families as a way to repurpose old clothes and create warm and cozy blankets. Over time, the art form became more popular and began to be used for decorative purposes as well. Today, Nakshi Kantha is recognized as a unique and beautiful art form that is treasured by collectors and enthusiasts all over the world.

In recent years, Nakshi Kantha has gained international recognition as a unique and beautiful art form. It has been featured in museums and galleries all over the world, and many people collect Nakshi Kantha as a way to appreciate and preserve this important part of Bengali culture.“European markets have always pined over Bengal's cotton and silk for their finesse and quality, and after being worn, rural women saw no reason to just throw them away. Instead, they found another use for them,” said author and social worker Maleka Khan — an exponent of the Nakshi Kantha heritage of Bangladesh.
The process of creating Nakshi Kantha is time-consuming and requires a lot of patience and skill. First, the old cloth scraps are washed and dried thoroughly. Then, they are layered together and stitched using a running stitch. The design is drawn on the fabric using chalk or a pencil, and then the embroidery begins. The stitches are made using a needle and embroidery thread, and the design is gradually built up over time.

One of the unique features of Nakshi Kantha is that the back of the embroidery is just as beautiful as the front. In fact, many people believe that the back of the embroidery is even more impressive because it shows the intricate work that went into creating the design. Nakshi Kantha is not just a beautiful art form; it also has cultural and historical significance. In rural communities in Bangladesh, it is still used as a way to pass down stories and traditions from one generation to the next. Each Nakshi Kantha tells a story, whether it is about the life of the person who created it or the community in which it was made.

Aside from the historical side of this craft, Nakshi Kantha have been the bread and butter of many families for generations after generations. And it's demand has increased a lot in the recent years. Parvin Akter, owner of Rajshahi Nakshi Ghor, said, “My sales have increased in recent years riding on consumer demand. People are buying the quilts as gifts, and also to decorate their homes.”

In conclusion, Nakshi Kantha is a traditional embroidery art form that has a rich history and cultural significance. It is created by stitching together layers of old cloth using a simple running stitch and bright, colorful embroidery thread. Each Nakshi Kantha tells a story and is a beautiful representation of Bengali culture and tradition. Whether you are a collector or simply appreciate beautiful handcrafted items, Nakshi Kantha is an art form that is well worth exploring.

References:

Haque, R. (2019). Stitched in time: The saga of Nakshi Kantha

https://www.thedailystar.net/supplements/28th-anniversary-supplements/deshi-first/news/stitched-time-the-saga-nakshi-kantha-1705285

Sohel A. R. (2021). Traditional Nakshi Kantha gains commercial traction

https://businesspostbd.com/trade/traditional-nakshi-kantha-gains-commercial-traction-41998