Kantha is one of the oldest forms of embroidery done in West Bengal, India. It is one of the most pleasing art.It is related to women and has a great history to it.It has been done since ages in Bangaladesh and West Bengal. Kantha is done in different sizes for different uses:to sleep on,to keep under,to wrap books and valuables.The beauty of Kantha lies in the stitches and variety of motifs in the layouts and patterns.It is something that is handed down for generations,has gained symbolic meaning now. Stella Kramrisch(the first art historian to systematically collect and document Kantha) says “the art of kantha is an enriched textile version of the art of the airpana or alopana,the painting on the floor,its magic purpose being enhanced by the textile symbolism of its materail in the way it is used.”

 

This book is an attempt to spread awareness in the era of urbanization,where our traditional art forms are getting lost.It also delivers an aesthetic sense of Kantha embroidery where the motifs,types of stitches used and a brief about the history and modern trends on Kantha are shown. Keeping in mind the various age groups of people,this book endeavours and caters to broaden a sense of realization and work towards knowing the inherited skills of our country in a better way.

 

Many copies of th book were printed and then a workshop was carried out where the book was given, with a kit that had the basic materials to stitch. The main focus was to spread awareness and bridge a gap between generations and see how they react. It was a wonderful journey and we also got an amazing response.