The state of Punjab gleam with the beautiful artwork of Phulkari ever since time immemorial. Phulkari which literally means flowers work is a most beautiful embroidery work from Punjab. Phulkari embroidery involves designs in floral motifs done in bright colours. It is regarded as very auspicious ceremonial occasion like weddings and newborns and the fully covered fabric is called bagh dupatta. Designs are usually embroidered from the back of the cloth, but you can also embroider start from the front. Motifs used are mainly influenced by family gardens and are named Karela bagh, gobhi bagh, and Mirchi bagh. Flowers influenced by wheat and barley stalks abundant in Punjab are also commonly used. Seven coloured motifs flowers are called Satrangas and five coloured motifs flowers are called Panchrangas. Other popular motifs used are Jasmin flower, Lotus plant (Kamal) Mor (Peacock) Kanki (Wheat) Sunflower (Surajmughi) Totha maina (Parrot) Colour plays an important role in Phulkari embroidery. Bright coloured thread used in the embroidery symbolised different expressions. The red colour is a commonly used colour and represents youth and passion. Green represents fertility and blue serenity. Orange symbolises energy and White purity. White was also used for widows and older women. Basically five types of phulkari: 1.Chope 2. Subhar Bagh 3.Til patra 4. Neelak 5. Chhamaas
Chope Phulkari and Subhar Bagh
Bagh and chope are the two main types of phulkari embroidery. Bagh means flower garden. Chope refers to border designs. Chope is usually done in yellow or golden color thread. Vari da bagh is golden yellow color phulkari embroidery with the small-flowered design done on red colored cloth. Bawan bagh has geometric designs and Ghunghat bagh has a heavy embroidered border with triangular flowers. Mirror phulkari uses mirrors embellished phulkari designs.
Til Patra, Neelak and Chhamaas Phulkari
The word Til Patra basically means the ‘sprinkling seeds’ and the similar is seen in Til Patra Phulkari, which has an attractive pattern of sesame seeds spread all over. Making it is a good option for those family gatherings and parties.
Neelak black and red beauty color with yellow embroidery is all you need for the festive season of Basant Panchmi. Neelak Phulkari is a very graceful embroidery.
Chhamaas phulkari depicts mirror work stitch into the cloth with vibrant threads of grey, blue, and yellow color. Chhamaas Phulkari can be flaunted anytime, anywhere because its mirror work is something that suits almost every occasion.
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