Phulkari

Applique from Punjab is called 'phulkari'. Phulkari literally means a flowering field and the art is said to liken a similar transformation of the base cloth into a riot of clours that resemble flowers in blossom. Phulkari is generally made on shawls using the darn stitch to attach pieces of cloth onto the surface of the shawl. Apart from flowers, stylized figures of animals and plants are also made. Silk thread is generally used in creating phulkari, though occasionally cotton thread is also put in use.

Variations of this art, known as Gota in Rajasthan is created by sewing edges of zari ribbon onto fabric, to create elaborate patterns. It is commonly used for making costumes for women. Khandela in Shekhawati is best known for producing these items.

There has been a migration of this technique from clothing to decorate household artefacts such as bags, lampshades, tablemats etc. Clearly art can be enjoyed in as many ways as they are displayed!