Page 55 - HAND EMBROIDERY ARTISAN_TT

3 Fabric and Thread Fig 3
• Usually worked on

- Pashmina shawls
- Wool and silk blends
• Thread counts
- 64 count – for general sozni work
- 120 count – for premium, detailed embroidery

Where Gaadikond Appears
Area Description
Shawl Borders Repeated Gaadikond facing upward
or downward
Corner Motifs Stylized with florals or vines
Jaal Layouts Used as a repeating unit in all-over Cultural significance of the Lotus in Kashmiri Art
design Aspect Significance
Palla Design Often central feature at shawl ends Symbolism Purity, beauty, spiritual awakening,
Color combinations peace
Cultural Associated with Hindu and Buddhist
Traditional Modern symbolism, often seen near shrines
Maroon & mustard Pastel pink & ivory and sacred water
Olive & rust Slate blue & gold Natural Grows abundantly in Dal Lake, Wular
Indigo & saffron Ash grey & rose gold presence Lake, and Nigeen Lake – a common
sight in Kashmir
Symbolic meaning
Lotus motif design in Sozni
• Often associated with
1 Shape & structure
- Royalty (crown or flame shape)
• Generally depicted as a circular flower with multiple
- Nature and purity (flower bud or flame) symmetrical petals radiating outward.

- Balance and symmetry in design • Can be shown:
Design pairing suggestions - Fully bloomed
Combine With Design Effect - Half-opened bud
Chinar leaves Nature-inspired classic combination - With floating leaves
Zeal motif Adds intricacy and fills space - In stylized, Persian-influenced elongated forms
Bel (creeper Enhances the flow of border or palla
vine) 2 Design composition
Summary of Gaadikond in Sozni Type Description
Single Lotus Used in corners or spaced intervals
Feature Detail
Design type Crown or flame-shaped floral motif Paired Lotus Twin flowers facing opposite or same
directions
Stitches Tixxi, Zanjeer, sometimes Do-Rukha Lotus Jaal All-over net-like design with lotus
Thread Cotton or silk, 64s or 120s count repeats
Fabric Pashmina, fine wool, silk Lotus & Bel Vines flowing with lotuses and leaves
Use Borders, palla ends, central motifs Lotus with Mix of Kashmiri flora in one design
Lotus Motif (Fig 3) Chinar

The Lotus, known as “Pamposh” in Kashmiri, is a sacred Embroidery techniques used
and elegant motif frequently used in Sozni embroidery. Stitch Purpose
Deeply rooted in Indian, Persian, and Kashmiri aesthetics,
the lotus represents purity, divinity, rebirth, and spiritual Tixxi (fine filling stitch) Used for filling the petals
beauty. In the context of Sozni, the lotus is stylized, with smooth texture
refined, and often used in balanced symmetrical designs. Zanjeer (outline stitch) For sharp borders of
petals
H & C: Hand Embroidery Artisan : (NSQF - 2024) R.T. Ex.No 1.7.38-43 45