Fascinated by the floral motifs exclusively and by architecture, paintings, and murals, comprehensively, the Mughal era witnessed an origin of Aari embroidery. Artistic influence on natural fabrics with close weave was new. Aari enhanced the look of a bland fabric and moved it up many notches. The Kaarigar’s started selling them like hotcakes and the sale, purchase of these have not stopped ever since.
Embroidery is more than a craft to the Kashmiri craftsman; it is an emotion woven into threads over a period. The craftsman does just everything from the collection of the finest raw material to thread selection best suited as per the required fabric count. The higher the count, the finer the yarn is and the more exquisite the embroidery would be.
Aari work is an all-season excitement as it can be crafted on velvets, kinds of cotton, linens, wools, silks, rayons, chanderi, and likes. The embroidery can be needled with regular motif patterns or can be customized as suggested to the Kaarigar.
The craftsmen primarily follow the time-honored designs which are long stamped into the minds of the people. These designs have an influence of the culture of the land and the flavour of the mood of the crafter as well.
Kashmiri embroidery has the world swooning over them.
Aari work is done by stretching the fabric tightly over a wooden frame to remove uneven folds of the weave and is known a thread work that enhances the gravity of the piece.
The craft has found a huge market in customization these days. The concrete construct has got people longing for a human touch. You can widely spot the craft on a Srinagar teenager’s caps and jackets, an elegant lady’s dress, in the trousseau of a bride, and most importantly in the Kashmiri wedding’s which have a heart for it.
Locally, Aari work is also known as Zalakdozi.
Aari has found its widespread use in royal Kashmiri interiors and exquisite furnishings such as curtains, drapes, sheets, cushions, beds, and cutlery covers as well. Recognized as one of the most monotonous modes of needlework, the discovery of high-level manual stitching has caused the craftsman to use machines, get the product reimbursed at the menial rates and in less time.
A trend of footwear, clutches, and bags getting the aari embroidered is a new breadth too.
Aari work embroideries are easy to maintain, regularly. They should be washed inside out using a milder fabric cleaner specially meant for the embroidered apparel. Mild hot iron is recommended to run over these fabrics for them to last, years.
Traditional and contemporary jewellery both go well with Aari work apparel. They are mostly paired with a major colour in embroidery to give an exquisite look.
Hands of Gold offers you a range of beautiful Kashmiri wraps & apparel in Aari embroidery which can be customized as well.