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The Chikankari Art Work

Chikankari is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, known for its soft, detailed handwork. It is done using white or colored threads on light fabrics like cotton, muslin, or chiffon. What makes Chikankari special is its fine stitches like Bakhiya, Phanda, and Keel, which form beautiful floral and leaf designs. Each pattern is carefully made by hand, and depending on the design, it can take a few days to even weeks to finish one piece. This art is not just stitching it's a slow and graceful process that reflects skill, tradition, and beauty, making every outfit feel unique and elegant.

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History Of Chikankari

Chikankari, the beautiful hand embroidery that Lucknow is famous for, has its roots in the Mughal era. The story begins in the 17th century with Noor Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir. Noor Jahan was not just a queen but also a woman of great taste and creativity. She had a deep love for art, design, and fashion. It is believed that she brought the art of Chikankari from Persia (modern-day Iran) to India. Noor Jahan introduced this delicate embroidery style to the royal court. Inspired by the fine white-on-white floral designs of Persian embroidery, she encouraged local artisans to learn and develop this craft. With her support, Chikankari began to flourish in the Mughal courts, especially in the Awadh region, where Lucknow is located. Over time, it became a symbol of elegance, grace, and royal beauty. The art of Chikankari involves intricate hand-stitching on light fabrics like muslin, cotton, and silk. The designs often feature flowers, vines, and geometric patterns. Back then, the embroidery was done using white threads on white fabric, giving it a rich yet subtle charm. As the Mughals ruled for centuries, this art spread among common people too. Women in villages and towns began to learn Chikankari and pass it on through generations. Today, Lucknow is still the heart of Chikankari, where thousands of artisans carry forward the legacy started by Noor Jahan. Her love for beauty and craftsmanship gave India one of its most treasured hand arts.

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Original Chikankari Work

Hand-stitched Chikankari from Lucknow is a timeless embroidery art passed down through generations. Known for its delicate, shadow like stitches, it is done by hand on soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, muslin, georgette, and chiffon using fine cotton or silk threads. The process begins with block printing the design, followed by intricate hand embroidery using over 30 traditional stitches such as bakhiya, phanda, and murri. Each piece is unique, reflecting skilled craftsmanship, patience, and heritage. Chikankari’s elegance, authenticity, and lightweight comfort make it popular globally as both luxury ethnic wear and modern fashion. Its growing demand comes from its artistic charm, cultural significance, and slow-fashion appeal that values quality over mass production.

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Machine Printing Chikankari

Machine stitched Chikankari began gaining popularity in the early 2000s as a quicker, cheaper alternative to traditional hand embroidery. Unlike the original handwork that takes days and showcases fine craftsmanship, machine embroidery is mass-produced in hours and lacks the intricate charm of real Chikankari. This shift led to a rise in fake products, where machine made items are falsely sold as handmade, confusing customers and harming the reputation of authentic Lucknow Chikankari. As a result, many skilled artisans have faced reduced demand and income, threatening this centuries old art form. While machine work may be affordable, it lacks the cultural soul and depth of traditional embroidery, which deserves recognition and support to keep the heritage alive.

Who we are?

We are proud manufacturers and wholesalers of authentic Chikankari apparel, based in Lucknow, the heart of this beautiful craft. Our customers come from all around the world, and we are committed to delivering high quality products while continuously improving based on their valuable feedback. With a wide variety of styles and designs, we offer flexibility to our clients so they can choose stock that best suits their customers' tastes and needs. Having been in this business for years, we've seen that Chikankari is not just a fabric it’s a statement of elegance. In some regions, it’s even seen as a luxury. That’s why we offer a diverse range—from affordable daily wear to exclusive, premium pieces—ensuring there’s something for everyone.

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