designmango-Motifs Used in Chikankari Works

Motifs Used in Chikankari Works

A motif can mean a lot of things. It can refer to a theme, an idea, a design pattern, a subject, or a central idea expressed by anything. This key idea can only be expressed through a number of continuous repetitions of a particular shape, pattern, or color. Gradually, as the distinguishable elements are expressed through consistent repetitions, a rhythmic pattern can be identified. A motif, therefore, can be identified through the flow or the rhythmic way in which the pattern is embroidered on a piece of fabric.

The combination of several motifs, in turn, creates the design and emphasizes the visual appeal of a work. Most of the Chikankari works feature motifs that are inspired from the Mughal time, which includes an appreciation for landscapes and natural scenery such as flowers, leaves, petals, and so on. Since the Mughals also drew inspiration from the Persian designs, a number of geometrical flower designs and plum weaving that feature thick embellishments are a result of this influence.

These motifs can be classified into:

  1. Natural Motifs: Natural motifs include all the elements and designs that contain inspiration from nature with the artistic imagination of the embroiderer and the designer added to them. These motifs majorly include:

Paisley: Originally called ‘Boteh’ in Persian, this motif features a design that is similar in shape to a bean, a mango, or a kidney. Although it is a vegetal theme, most of the time, it includes various floral elements around it as well.

Image Source: Adachikan.com

Palm Leaf: These motifs also feature the Paisley motif, although it is only an imitation as it is formed along with the leaves and stalks.

Grass Stalk: These motifs are usually used alongside other motifs and feature a pattern that resembles a blade of grass.

Floral Motif: Probably the most popular design of embroidery technique, the floral motif is the characteristic motif of the Chikankari works. It features an intricately and delicately woven flower on the fabric.

Animals and Birds: Of all the animals and bird designs that are used in Chikankari works, elephants, peacocks, and butterflies are featured the most.

Geometrical Motifs: Geometrical motifs refer to the use of geometric shapes to represent some easily distinguishable symbols in the form of circles, squares, triangles, and lines. These geometrical themes are usually formed of some geometrical shapes used in conjunction with each. Then, to make them even more alluring, some elements of shading are also added together.

Image Source: Adachikan.com

Stylized Motifs: The stylized motifs refer to design patterns that make the work appear more delightful and pleasing to the eye. What differentiates these motifs from the regular motifs is the use of more bends, curves, and details.

Image Source: Adachikan.com

Abstract Motifs: Abstract motifs are distinct motifs that do not feature any particular shape and do not follow a consistent pattern. There might not even be an outline of any distinct figure or any distinguishable theme present. The patterns, therefore, could resemble a shape or might just resemble something abstract that merely looks pleasing to the eye. The patterns could be in the form of random blots or veins.

Image Source: Adachikan.com

Kushal Trivedi

I'm a dedicated content writer, blogger, and copywriter with a flare to research new and interesting topics. Ideally, I want to be a poet. Realistically, I wouldn't.