What are the two things that come to your mind when someone says Lucknow? Gulati Kebab and Chikankari work. Isn’t it fascinating and amazing that a weave has become synonymous with the beautiful city of Lucknow?
The Lucknow Chikan as it is popularly known worldwide is over 400 years old. The elegance of Chikankari works comes from its artistic embroidery which combines around 36 different stitching techniques. The work is combined with embellishments such as pearls and mirrors etc. While the place of origin of this beautiful weave is Lucknow, its production has spread to West Bengal too.
It is said that the Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s wife Noor Jahan was fond of Chikankari work and was quite talented herself in it. Enamored by her love for this embroidery work, Jahangir is said to have established several workshops and showered it with royal patronage.