Page 56 - HAND EMBROIDERY ARTISAN_TT

Chidkan Sometimes used in the The Mehrab (also spelled Mihrab) is a highly symbolic
center of the flower and architectural motif that appears in many forms of
Do-rukha (double-sided For luxury double-sided Islamic art, including Sozni embroidery in Kashmir. In
Sozni, the Mehrab motif blends spiritual symbolism
stitch) embroidery with artistic elegance, often used in luxury shawls and
Colors commonly used heritage pieces.

Traditional Colors Contemporary Shades What is a Mehrab?
Pink, Rose, Maroon Peach, Lavender, Coral Feature Description
Deep Red, Rust Rose gold, Aqua blue Origin Arabic “Mihrab” — a niche in a mosque
Olive, Moss Green Mint green, Champagne wall indicating the direction of Mecca
beige (Qibla)
Where lotus motifs appear in Sozni Shape A pointed arch or horseshoe arch
often surrounded by floral or geometric
Fabric/Item Use patterns
Pashmina shawls Lotus on the border or palla ends Symbolism Represents sacred space, direction in
Wool stoles Central floral medallion or panel prayer, and gateway to the divine
design Influence Strongly influenced by Islamic
Dupattas Lotus bel or jaal layout architecture, especially Persian and
Mughal styles
Scarves Small spaced lotus motifs for
minimalistic look Mehrab in Sozni Embroidery
Lotus motif design use cases 1 Design features
• The central form resembles an arched doorway or
Design use Description niche
Border design Repeating lotus with vine (Bel) work
Centerpiece Large lotus surrounded by smaller • May be filled with:
motifs - Floral motifs (like chinar, lotus, badaam)
Festival/Bridal Rich lotus designs with metallic - Vine patterns (bel)
wear thread detailing - Geometric detailing
Export pieces Paired with Persian motifs for
international appeal • Can be standalone or part of a repeating layout

Summary of Lotus in Sozni 2 Types of Mehrab Motif in Sozni
Feature Detail Type Description
Motif Name Pamposh (Lotus) Single Mehrab One large central arch on shawl
Design Type Circular, floral, radiating petals ends (palla)
Meaning Purity, divinity, Kashmiri elegance Repeated Series of arches across the border
Mehrab
or body
Used on Shawls, stoles, scarves Mehrab with Mehrab outline filled with motifs like
Stitches used Tixxi, Zanjeer, Chidkan, Do-Rukha Floral Fill duberg, zeal, badaam
Thread Count 64s (standard), 120s (ultra-fine work) Double-sided Used in premium shawls with mirror-
Mehrab (Fig 4) Mehrab (Do- perfect design on both sides
Rukha)
Fig 4
Stitches & Techniques

Stitch Use
Tixxi For smooth filling inside the arch
Zanjeer For sharp outlining of the arch shape
Chidkan Detailing within the arch for floral/leaf
patterns
Do-Rukha When symmetry is needed on both
sides of fabric

46 H & C: Hand Embroidery Artisan : (NSQF - 2024) R.T. Ex.No 1.7.38-43