Chikan Embroidery is a form of hand embroidery which is believed to have been introduced by Nur Jahan, the beautiful wife of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir. In this art, long and straight white cotton or silk threads are used on the surface of the fabric to create different delicate designs.
Chikan Embroidery is a time-consuming and strenous art, and fabric with chikan work is very costly. It requires 15 to 20 years of training for craftsmen to master this craft. The hub of chikan work is central India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow.
Cutting, stitching, printing, embroidery, washing and finishing are the main processes on this art. Wooden blocks dipped in dyes like neel and safeda are used for printing in this method. The dyes will be washed out after completing the embroidery. Taipchi, Bakhia, Phunda, Murri, Jaali, Hathkati, Pechni, Ghas Patti, and Chaana Patti are the different types of Chikan work available today.
