Stunning bedspreads, which have the mellow richness of heirlooms, unfold a feast of textile craft heritage at the Central Cottage Industries Embroidered and home linen exhibition which opens today. Defining bedroom style and elegance are organza silk, tussar and cotton bedspreads and matching wall hangings densely patterned with Kantha and Ari embroidery, Zardosi, Zari and sequins, etc.
Ancient motifs and contemporary formats come together in the lifestyle textiles, reflecting the master craftsperson's touch and the vocabulary of the designer artisan synergy. CCIE has worked with many women self-help group in Gujarat, M.P. and Rajasthan to put these collections together.
Lyrical combo
Many of the bedcovers are masterpieces. An organza ‘dhani' patch worked bedcover has dreamy layered elephants appliqued all over in lyrical combinations of pink, brown and violet. In a densely embroidered ‘Kantha' bedcover, roses and trellis vine, jasmine and marigold are scattered in rich profusion, picked out in the red, green, blue and white. The poetry of the ‘Valley of flowers' imagery is set off by a border of cheeky, pink baby elephants.
A ‘Salmazari' bedspread is the canvas for a dazzling mix of Zardosi, silver and thread embroidery, its textured flamboyance made more dramatic with sequin and glass bead embroidery. Also on display are ethereal and delicately cut work curtains and bedspreads, reminiscent of ‘Sanjhi' work rangolis, rich Benaras brocade table cloths, bed linen and tussar bed covers in muted colours appliqued with motifs of falling autumn leaves. And the items include Dabu resist block printed bed covers as well as the embellished gold block printed ‘amri' squares and geometrics as well as the much loved butties, flowers, etc.
Many of the bedcovers have coordinated cushion covers and wall hangings. Jute cloths and runners are other attractions on display at the exhibition that is on at The Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Temple Towers, Nandanam, till August 3.
