West Bengal – State of Kantha Quilts

Kantha embroidery is so much in fashion today. This widespread fashion didn’t make it popular overnight, on the contrary Kantha has evolved itself ever since its very inception which dates backs centuries ago.

Made using recycled sarees and other fabrics, Kantha could be translated roughly to rags and likely refers to as the reclaimed character of the vintage fabrics as well as repurposing manners and methods using which Kantha quilts are created by many artists. This form of embroidery is s unique and beautiful as its name and the Kantha quilts involve a beautiful and vibrant patchwork of many layers upon layers of differently patterned fabrics, some bold colors as well as a culturally rich history that is woven together with each patch, stitch as well as a stretch of a beautiful fabric.

Kantha quilts are often dyed using all the natural colors that makes the use of leaves, grains, roots and seeds such as turmeric and many others in order to make a bold statement and further brighten up the existing design and then adding more character and life to any space where you use the Kantha quilts.
The inception and the roots of Kantha stitch is worth mentioning. Considered to be one of the oldest forms of embroidery, Kantha has its roots in ancient India and the name also has a double meaning as ‘throat’, further having its roots in the story of Lord Shiva and how his neck turned blue when he tried to save humanity from a poisoned ocean. Thus, the ancient Kantha quilts often entertained ceremonial symbols as well as animals printed and stitched on to them in different patterns where they were mainly taken into use in the ceremonies like birth of a baby, weddings, etc.

The credits to the real evolution of Kantha as seen and used today goes to the women of West Bengal. In fact, West Bengal is considered to be the place of origin of Kantha. The local and rural women of West Bengal would stitch Kantha handkerchiefs, Kantha quilts and various other handmade motifs as well as personal articles using this pattern. This art was then passed down from mother to the daughter and this is how Kantha has traditionally evolved into one popular form of embroidery.

Today, this form of embroidery has garnered a huge attention in the country, and the same is being used in different forms and patterns such as quilts, curtains, blankets, dupattas, scarves, cushion covers and many more. The popularity of this embroidery is not just restricted within the boundaries of India, but the same has spread across many nations of the world, thereby giving Kantha a global recognition.
Many western homes are using several Kantha decors and design to decorate and revamp their houses into something more vibrant and colorful. Kantha has become a popular form of embroidery in the fashion world as well and a number of designers are using it in their own unique manner.

Kanthas are a symbol of culture, history, family, integrity and strength.

 


Polka Dot Floral Kantha Quilt

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