Nakshi kantha (Bengali: নকশি কাঁথা) is a type of embroidery tradition from Bengal region, i.e Bangladesh and Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and part of Assam. The basic material used is thread and old cloth. Traditionally, kantha was produced by women strictly for the use of the family. However, these days after the revival of the nakshi kantha art form, they are produced commercially.
The name nakshi kantha is derived from the Bengali word naksha, which means artistic patterns, and kantha which originated from the Sanskrit word kontha, meaning rags, as kantha is made of rags. Traditionally kanthas had a white background accented with red, blue and black embroidery; later yellow, green, pink and other colours were also included. The running stitch called 'kantha stitch' is the main stitch used. Even though no specific strict symmetry is followed, a finely embroidered kantha will always have a focal point. Most kanthas will have a lotus as focal point, and around the lotus there are often undulating vines or floral motifs. Other motifs may include solar, lunar, wheel, swastika or other circular images as well as flowers, leaves, birds, fish, and animals. Although most kanthas have some repeated traditional motif, no two nakshi kanthas are same and the individual style of the artist is retained.
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