The embroidery was introduced to India by Parsi traders who journeyed (by sea) to distant China in the 19th century. The craft as it stands today is a beautiful amalgamation of Chinese, Persian, Indian as well as Continental influences.
The popular stitches used were the stem stitch, crewel stitch, satin stitch and the French knot or fabled ‘forbidden stitch’ which is so intricate that it rendered the maker blind.
The designs comprised stories and scenes of Chinese life. Peacocks, horned deer, ducks, fish and Oriental birds of all kinds were often seen too. Motifs were selected for their decorative appeal as well as to communicate a sense of an exotic, fabled land.
Heirloom worthy indeed, this design includes pagodas that were built to protect the environment and commemorate auspicious occasions, gardens filled with flowering trees of positive significance, ornamental fences, bridges, rivers, boatmen and Chinese men and women in scenes of everyday life bearing baskets, lanterns, fishing poles, musical instruments and books. Butterflies, symbols of beauty, romance and dreams as well as pairs of ducks for constancy, peace and prosperity, are included.
The ornate border and flower ‘buttis’ complete the Gara. The embroidery has been done in silk floss and includes the stem stitch, satin stitch (long and short) and French knot.
