Chikan Embroidery

Uttar Pradesh is famous for its amazing chicken embroidery all over India. It is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow used to make dress material and other textile decorative items at home. The word ‘chikan’ is derived from the Persian term ‘chikin’ or ‘chikeen’ meaning cloth wrought with needle work. Introduced by Nur Jehan, Mughal emperor Jahangir’s wife, Chikan embroidery has set its mark amongst the users and is highly demanded in India and even outside it. Developed in the period of mughals, the style of Chikan is inspired by Persians. The process of making the Chikan embroidery is known as Chikankari, which was originated in Lucknow. The Chikan embroidery was in the beginning was done in white over white cloth. It is the clarity of stitches that defines the beauty of Chikan embroidery. Nowadays, Chikan embroidery is done with colored threads and on various different types of clothes including like silk, crepe, organdie chiffon and tussar. Along with that, sequel is also added to the Chikan embroidery to add more creativity and beauty in a dress. Open trellis such as Jaali work is very popular among the Chikan embroidery. Other patters in the embroidery are inspired from the Mughal era including paisley, rose, jasmine, etc, and creepers. Undoubtedly, Chikan is one of the most appealing and an interesting style statement from Uttar Pradesh state in India.