Kathiyawar embroidery Kathiyawar has a great influence from neighboring states of Sindh, Punjab and Kutch. Women not only decorate their attires but also embroider household articles with the vibrant threads. The main feature of this kind of embroidery is the lavish use of mirrors. The embroidery is very pictorial and original, the mirror work and interlacing stitch sets it apart from any other kind of embroidery. Persian influence can be seen in the motifs. The Kathiawar embroidery designs are hand-drawn on cotton cloth and are worked with silk floss (heer). The embroidery is done in long stitches, use being made of tiny mirror to give glitter to the center of flowers or eyes of animals and birds. Bold embroidered motifs of birds, animals, deities, plants and flowers are skillfully spaced so that their rich colored threads and glittering mirrors form the perfect counterpoint to the black stitches and the white material of the background.
Photo: Embroidered handbag of Sathwara Community, Dwarka. 52 A Vow: To The Timeless Traditions