Phulkari is a traditional craft of
Jammu and Kashmir. This craft had its origin in
Punjab and later came to this region. The clothes featuring this embroidery are part of the gifts given by the bride’s parent to her during wedding. This piece of clothing is usually worn over the traditional shirt by the women.
As the name suggest, Phulkari is a style of embroidery of floral designs. The designs are not limited to flowers alone, but include a variety of other patterns such as birds, animals and scenes depicting village life.
The color of the cloth used in this work is generally maroon, red or scarlet. The thread used for embroidery is made from silk usually golden, yellow, crimson red, blue or green colored.
If the whole piece of cloth is embroidered, the phulkari work is called ‘baag’ (garden). If only the sides are embroidered, the work is called ‘chope’. Phulkari products range from handkerchiefs, sofa and cushion cover, table covers, bed-spreads to beautiful wall hangings.
