Kantha Quilt - A Best East Indian Art Form

The East Indian state of West Bengal is known for its rich culture and a varied plethora of folk art. Kantha, a running embroidery style is one of the most popular Indian folk art forms. The rural women of West Bengal hugely practice it to make Kantha Quilt saris among several other items of daily use and decor. This domestic art form has now achieved a special place in the field of art and craft.

The Origin of Kantha

Kantha proudly boasts of centuries old origin. Kantha earned mention in a book called Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Krishnadas Kaviraj. The book ages back to over five hundred years. Over time, this art form has evolved to strengthen its place in the lives of Bengalis and spread its appeal globally.

The Hub of Kantha

This innate craft is widely practiced in Bolpur and Shantiniketan situated 180 kilometers north of the capital of West Bengal, Kolkata. Kantha has slowly become a robust medium of earning for the natives of this region.

The Theme of Kantha

Kantha is a signature art form of West Bengal. Kantha embroidery is a work of a woman's imagination and may sometimes even portray some of the rare moments of her life. Floral designs, birds, animals, scenes from daily life & occasional events, and geometrical patterns are the commonest themes.

Kantha Basics

Kantha requires just two raw materials a cotton or silk cloth and colorful threads. Traditionally, red, blue, and black embroidery was done on white background. Gradually, other colors like yellow and green also found place. Simple in design & theme, this traditional art form is mostly done on regular or old clothes, especially old saris & dhotis. Closely knitted, simple colorful stitches create several beautiful Kantha patterns and themes. The stitches impart a wrinkled finish to the cloth. The stitch would run along the border of the cloth.

Types of Kantha

Archilata, Nakshi, Durjani, Sujani, Oaar, and Rumal are some forms of Kantha widely popular in Bengal and different other parts of the world. Of these, Nakshi Kantha has gained significant fame.

Kantha Handicrafts

Kantha embroidery is used on the different items of daily use. Since the 19th century, Kantha has been widely used to prepare light blankets, bed covers, cushion covers, quilts, and bedspreads for the newborns. Today, Kantha has evolved into a major fashion statement. The demand of Kantha stitched saris & dupattas men's kurtas is skyrocketing, globally.

Vaishali Sinha is the Founder & Owner of Vliving, an online store of Indian Handicrafts. It offers some select, traditional Indian art forms to grace the walls of your office, home, or studio. Visit https://www.vliving.in/ to buy more Indian artifacts of your choice. You can also direct your buying list, query, feedback, or suggestions. Happy shopping!

Kinds of Pillow Insert at Vliving.in

All pillows have two components: the insert and the cover. The pillow insert or the pillow form is the one that provides shape to a pillow. It can be an uncovered pillow that requirements to be covered. It can also be a covered pillow however the cover is plain so it needs a decorative cover.

There are different kinds of Pillow insert. These are:

1. Down Insert This is made from feathers and downs of waterfowls like ducks and geese. It is the most expensive simply because of its very good quality. It can give your pillow a lovely loft. Also, its softness can provide a luxurious feeling that can match your shape.

This is perfect for silk covers and other wealthy cover fabrics. The rich cover fabric will make it look more elegant and luxurious. You can also add styles to your pillows with down inserts in addition to creating use of silk covers.

Down insert can be natural or synthetic. Natural is much more expensive than the synthetic. If you will buy 1, examine it first. Not all inserts are equal so you must feel them to verify which 1 has sufficient fill and which one is fluffy and soft.

The only bad thing about this is that it is not fitted for all individuals. Those who have allergies cannot use this simply because the fillings are made from feathers. Feathers are dusty, thus, they are not good for sensitive individuals. They will just intensify the allergy of a person.

2. Polyester Insert This is the most economical that you can use. It can retain its shape and it can be maintained effortlessly. Furthermore, it can be used by anyone, even these who have allergies. It is more expensive than ordinary polyfill but is cheaper than down pillow.

This is much better than foam because of its capability to retain its shape. Foam is extremely inexpensive, nevertheless, if it is more than used, it will flatten.

3. Bamboo Insert This is new to the market. It is more expensive than foam and polyester but is less costly than down. It has soft, silky texture and it can really feel like a down. Also, it is made from renewable sources.

The great factor about it is that it is antibacterial. Like the polyester, it can also be used by individuals who have allergy. Because it is against bacteria, then the possibility of intensifying any allergy is low.

There are other types of inserts aside from the three. Cottons, wools, buckwheat hulls and kapok are accessible also. It is up to you to choose which pillow insert you will use. Just remember that you must choose the best choice.

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