Trending Now: Phulkari

If you’re a sucker for hand embroidered, timeless pieces, then you would be familiar with GENERATION’s COTTAGE line. And you most certainly would be familiar with one of the most iconic embroidery techniques in the history of the subcontinent, AKA, Phulkari. Taking birth in the green fields of Punjab, Phulkari is a style of embroidery consisting of geometrical designs and floral motifs, making way for intricately embroidered fabrics which were the epitome of beauty. After all, how can a craft that LITERALLY translates to “flower work” not be pretty.

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Traditionally women learned the art of embroidering phulkaris from their mothers, grandmothers, or older female relatives and friends; a girl began to embroider at a young age, and eventually was tasked with making phulkaris to be included in her dowry upon marriage. Phulkaris were an important part of a woman’s material wealth that she brought with her to her new home after marriage. In addition to being worn as odhinis, phulkaris were also used as bistar (bedding fabrics), layered with chaddars (thin sheets) and dhurries (thicker woven rugs) to create cushioning on a charpayee (woven cot). For special social functions or religious ceremonies phulkaris were hung on the walls of homes and temples. Folk lores also indicate the importance of Phulkari, one particularly famous one goes like, ”Ih Phulkari meri maan ne kadhi/Is noo ghut ghut japhiyan paawan.” (This Phulkari was embroidered by my mother, I embrace it warmly). It is a tedious process, often taking months to complete one piece. Watch the video below for more insight into this craft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAjHOQzWlgY

SAINCHI PHULKARI

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Sainchi phulkari originates from East Punjab and displays diverse depictions of stylized everyday objects and floral motifs in a lively palette of colours along with figurines and animals. GENERATION’s ‘Sainchi Phulkari’ Collection derives inspiration from this technique and displays eye catching designs embroidered with filling stitches in fresh colours over textured bases. This hand embroidered kurta from our collection Sainchi Phulkari displays a lively palette of embroidered motifs on pin striped, textured fabric. Paired with straight fit trousers and a gorgeous saffron dupatta, celebrate the art of phulkari by getting your hands on this one of a kind, exclusively hand embroidered piece online at https://www.generation.com.pk/t28013s.html for PKR 7698 today. This kurta with roll up sleeves and embroidered cuff and pocket details showcases a birdcage in bright, fun colours on top of a grey textured base. Shop our Sainchi Phulkari Co-ords at https://www.generation.com.pk/t28017t.html for PKR 5998 today! Beautifully adorned with abstract bird motifs, traditional phulkari motifs and embedded mirror work, the Sainchi Phulkari Co-ords with an embroidered front and sleeves showcase the art of this intricate craft to the fullest. Shop in stores and online at https://www.generation.com.pk/traditional/t28012s.html for PKR 8,398/- today and add this style to your evergreen collection. GENERATION has been a pioneer of celebrating the crafts of Pakistan for decades, generating awareness and bringing it to the masses to promote the rich history and culture of Pakistan. What craft inspires you the most? Let us know in the comments below! Image credits:

• Ethnic Arts
• Philadelphia-Museum-of-Art