Field of the Embroidered Quilts

DESIGN AND COMPOSITION The design of kathas can vary from simple to very intricate design patterns. Traditionally it was never drawn and copied on the fabric, it was done free hand using just the needle, with old fabrics in the form of a saree and some thread. There may have been some compositions and planning done to make space divisions and plan the placement of the motifs but it was always done ‘free hand’.

It was like painting with a needle. Although there is no strict symmetry to nokshi katha, a fine piece will usually have a lotus as a focal point, with stylized birds, plants, fish, flowers and other scenes surrounding this. Present day, mandala styled designs and floral patterns are very popular.

The motifs of the Nokshi Katha can depict folk festivals, marriage ceremonies, the lotus, boats, horses, carts, flowers, fish, elephants, umbrellas, water pot, decorative plate, trees, wheels, etc.

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