Kurinji recognizes the immense value of traditional arts, crafts and techniques, not just as forms of creative expression, but also as vital components of cultural heritage. By purchasing Kurinji products, you actively contribute to the preservation of a rich history that might otherwise fade away.
Kurinji is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable livelihood and empowering both the artists and the communities they represent. By incorporating their handmade works into modern westernwear and Italian original designs, we want to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary aesthetics, creating designs that are truly unique and meaningful.
Chikan is a delicate hand embroidery technique, worked on a variety of fabrics such as muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net, and many others.
The chikankari process includes the following steps:Â
• Design
• Engraving the wooden block
• Hand block printing
• Hand embroidery
• Washing
• Refinement
The popularity of this technique has peaked during the Mughal Empire and is now centered in the city of Lucknow.
Aari embroidery is one of the many forms of embroidery originated in the Mughal era and takes its name from the needle that is used.
To perform this technique, the fabric is stretched tightly over a wooden frame. A pen-like needle, that resembles the one used for crochet, is used to pierce through the fabric, bringing the thread up as the needle twists.
Zardozi comes from two Persian words: zar or zarin, which means gold and dozes, which means sewing.
The process starts with the craftsmen sitting cross-legged around the Addaa, the wooden framework, with their tools. The design is traced on the cloth and the fabric stretched over the wooden frame. A needle is then used to apply each element to the fabric.
The enduring appeal of handcrafted textiles remains an exquisite testament to human ingenuity and artistry. Handspun, handwoven, and handknit fabrics embody a rich history of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural heritage. These labor-intensive processes not only yield fabrics of unparalleled quality but also carry the stories and traditions of generations past, making them treasures that transcend time.
Several of Kurinji’s designs use natural dyes derived from plant and mineral sources.
Plant-based dyes can be extracted from leaves, roots, flowers, and even bark, while mineral dyes are often obtained from rocks and earth deposits. Each source yields a distinct color palette, and the artisan’s knowledge of local flora and traditional recipes plays a crucial role in achieving desired shades.
The use of natural dyes is generally considered eco-friendly, as they are biodegradable and often sustainable due to their reliance on renewable resources. Slightly different shades are to be expected; this organic variability adds character and depth to textiles, reflecting the beauty of the natural world.
With your invaluable support, artisans can continue pursuing what they are passionate about—creating unique, handcrafted pieces that tell stories of their heritage, community, and personal journeys. The pride they take in their work is palpable in every stitch, brushstroke, and intricate detail.
Your purchase of Kurinji products can facilitate the expansion of our efforts to regions that might benefit from similar initiatives. By sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities, we can extend the reach of artisanal communities to new horizons, fostering economic growth while preserving cultural diversity.
Your involvement is not just transactional—it’s transformational, resonating through time and cultures, and making a lasting difference in the lives of artisans and the preservation of their traditions.
