.Wonderful silk saris from Kanchipuram were embroidered all over with kantha, the stitch painting of Bengal. The synergy between the fabric and the embroidery proved ecstasy can be produced.
Each piece is an heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation--it represents the best of Bengal's and Chennai's craftsmanship.
About the Embroidery -
Kantha is known as the “running stitch of Bengal.“ Its origins trace back centuries to the pre Vedic Tim(1500 BCE). The story of Kantha begins with thrifty women in rural Bengali households, salvaging old sarees and holding them together in layers with a simple running stitch. Primarily used as baby quilts, these panthers became a focal point for the gathering of women in groups to practice their art. They poured their creative energies into it, singing their folk songs and often incorporating folk life motifs into their work. From the fairy tale world of baby quilts, Kantha stitch soon started running through sarees, jackets, shawls , scarves and myriad household objects like bedspreads, wall hangings and cushion covers. In a land of dire poverty, this beautiful art brought cheer and elegance to the mundane. Selling their pieces, the women made some meagre earnings that enabled them to feed families of 4 or 6 or 8 after they managed to pay off the money lenders, who gave them fabric and threads. The not so enterprising worked as job shoppers and their production was picked up by middlemen, who sold their work at nearby metropolis' like Calcutta.
Pia grew up in Bengal and Pia Ka Ghar was started in order to tell the story of these female artisans and give them the opportunity for a better livelihood. It is our privilege to shine the spotlight on these remarkably talented artisans. Kantha has come a long way from the days of good old fashioned recycling to one of the most sophisticated forms of embroidery in the world, while maintaining traditional and indigenous integrity. Help us support these women in their endeavor to join the ranks of empowered women today. In doing so, you are empowering yourself to make a conscious change for better in the world.
