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Mughal embroidery

(283 products available)

About mughal embroidery

Types of Mughal Embroidery

There is a broad diversity of categories when it comes to Mughal embroidery. Before making a selection, wholesale Mughal embroidered clothes buyers have to be more than aware of the different types of embroidery since each one is distinctially unique.

Kerela Mughal Embroidery

This particular Mughal embroidery is a renowned textile tradition in the state of Kerala, South India. It is closely associated with the royal families and is known for its opulent designs and rich colors.

Similarly, the embroidery came with the influence of the Mughal rule and developed into a highly regarded art form. Mughal embroidered dresses are made from materials like silk and satin, and they may incorporate gold or silver thread to enhance the lavish touch of the designs.

Lucknowi Mughal Embroidery

Lucknowi embroidery, which is also called chikan work, originated in Lucknow and is still going strong to this day. It is known for its delicate and detailed patterns. Some of those patterns include floral motifs, which are stitched with thin needles and show hints of perfection and artistry.

This kind of embroidery is regularly used on light materials like lawn, cambric, and chiffon, making it perfect for Mughal embroidered dresses, especially during the warmer months. Traditional Lucknowi embroidery consists of hand stitching, although some modern versions use machines to imitate the art.

Punjabi Mughal Embroidery

This embroidery is well known for its striking and bold motifs, which normally include floral and geometrical designs. It is closely associated with Punjabi culture and has been influenced a great deal by Mughal aesthetics.

The embroidery is mostly stitched on thick fabrics like velvet and silk, making them suitable for festive wear and winter collections. Gold and silver threads are popularly used to bring out the richness of the designs.

South Indian Mughal Embroidery

In spite of being relatively less well known, Mughal embroidery in South India boasts some of the most unique styles and designs. Having been influenced by the Deccan Sultanates, which were a subset of the Mughal Empire, the embroidery techniques from this region include zari work and lavish patterns.

South Indian Mughal embroidery can be found on clothes such as silks and brocades, often embellished with precious or semi-precious stones. These clothes are, therefore, ideal for weddings and other celebrations.

Materials Used For Mughal Embroidery

The kind and quality of materials used in Mughal embroidery strongly impact both its appearance and durability. Every so often, these clothes are embossed with rich threads that enhance the overall opulent appearance of the designs.

Silk Threads

Silk threads are cherished in this embroidery for their luxurious appeal. They create a lustrous finish that makes the patterns striking and vivid. Since it is very easy to manipulate silk thread, artisans are able to work on very fine stitches, and this enhances the intricate Mughal designs.

As much silk threads are used mainly in high-end embroidery pieces, they are very expensive. They normally come in a wide range of colors, allowing for great variety in the designs.

Cotton Threads

Cotton threads are the most commonly used materials in Mughal embroidery since they are more affordable and easier to find. They come in a myriad of colors, making them ideal for various embroideries, especially lighter ones like lawn and cambric. While not as lustrous as silk, cotton threads offer good durability and are perfect for everyday wear.

Although the threads do not have that shining richness that Mughal embroidery is normally identified with, they can still be found in different shades which allow for making different designs.

Zari Threads

Zari threads are perhaps the most distinguishable element of Mughal Embroidery. Normally made from metallic fibers, zari threads are used to produce the empire's characteristic opulent look. The threads are usually in gold or silver, thus adding an imperial touch to the embroidered fabrics.

Zari is commonly used for borders, detailing, and accentuating motifs, thus making the clothes absolutely stunning. These threads are also very strong and do not easily get damaged.

Wool Threads

Wool threads are a frequent choice for heavier fabrics and colder climates. The extra thick material is ideal for use in winter wear since it adds warmth and is thus good for making jackets, shawls, and other warm clothes.

Wool threads have a slightly matte finish as compared to silk, but they create a rich and voluminous look in Mughal designs. They are also very long-lasting and are suitable for clothes that are used often.

Designs Used For Mughal Embroidery

Mughal embroidery is well recognized, rather distinguished, and absolutely adored around the world for its intricate and lavish designs. There is a diverse range of motifs and patterns that reflect the rich artistic heritage of the Mughal Empire.

Floral Motifs

This particular Mughal embroidery design, which is mainly associated with the Mughal gardens, features flowers such as roses, lotuses, and jasmine. These motifs were often used by the empire to symbolize beauty and nature, and they feature in most of the crafts, art, and architecture.

Every Mughal embroidered fabric uses floral designs, and they used elaborate detailing to highlight the craftsmanship. Pashmina shawls and silk fabrics make use of floral motifs since they illustrate the Mughal embroidery at its finest.

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns were common in the Mughal embroidery designs and were often used to adorn borders or fill spaces between the main motifs. These patterns include diamonds, stars, and other geometrical shapes that reflect the Islamic influence on the art.

In spite of being less intricate than the biological designs, these patterns add a level of vibrancy and balance to the overall composition of the embroidery. Geometric designs are most often found in Punjabi and South Indian Mughal embroideries.

Calligraphy

Mughal artisans sometimes included inscriptions in Persian or Arabic, as there is a typeset cultural influence and appreciation of the Empire. Calligraphic designs are used to have a deeper spiritual meaning or to quote poetry and religious texts.

Thus, calligraphy can be found on textiles like wall hangings and clothing, and it represents a completely unique blend of embroidery and writing.

Payals

Mughal pictorial embroidery is noteworthy for its portrayal of animals, humans, and scenes from the royal court. These designs represent the artistic flair of the time to appreciate life in all its dimensions.

Common elements in this type of embroidery include elephants, horses, birds, and court musicians. This embroidery is generally seen on wedding attire or souvenirs intended for the royal family due to its elaborate detail.

How To Choose Mughal Embroidery

Buyers from wholesale outlets and online stores have to take several important factors into account to pick suitable apparel and accessories in the embroidered Mughals schools of art. Below are some of the factors buyers should consider.

Authenticity and Origin

Genuine Mughal embroidery will always reflect the traditional techniques and designs that have been used over the years. Buyers should endeavor to know the origin of the products they are buying since the embroidery style may significantly differ across various regions.

For example, Lucknowi Embroidery comes with delicate work, while Punjabi Mughal embroidery has bold patterns. So, to get the actual Mughal experience, one must settle for items that have been made authentically by skilled craftsmen who understand the art of embroidery perfectly well.

Quality of Materials

The materials used for making the Mughal Embroidered Clothes will influence the embroidery's general appearance, feel, and lifespan. Buyers should look out for clothes that have been made from premium-quality materials like silk, chiffon, and velvet as they will showcase the craftsmanship involved and will be strong and comfortable to wear.

Moreover, inquiring into the kind of threads that were used during embroidery is very imperative because zari and silk threads add a luxurious appeal to the fabric. The quality of these materials will also have an effect on the embroidery's texture.

Design Selection

Mughal embroidery comes in a great variety depending on the motifs and patterns used. Buyers should choose suitable designs that match the cultural significance of the embroidery in general. Those new to order Mughal embroidery should first consider popular designs such as floral or geometrical motifs, and then it will be easier for them to select items manufactured with picture or calligraphic embroidery.

Stitching Technique

The craftsmanship behind this embroidery determines how detailed and intricate the designs will look like. Buyers should consider whether the embroidery is hand-stitched or machine-stitched because the former takes more time but gives a unique look to the product, while the latter is more affordable and can be produced in bulk.

Hand-stitched items go through intense and dedicated work, which is why they mostly belong to luxury collections. Machine-stitched items, on the other hand, are more appropriate for wholesale business aimed at boosting stock for resale purposes.

Garment Care

In order to maintain the lifespan of the products, buyers should remember the care instructions for items that have been embroidered with Mughal elements before making a purchase. Mughal-embroidered clothes made from delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon may require dry cleaning or gentle washing or may need to be air-dried.

Embroidery might also easily get damaged if exposed to harsh chemicals or high heat. Buyers should give care instructions based on the materials and stitches used so that the end users can easily maintain the embroidered clothes.

Q&A

Q1: What kind of clothes benefit most from Mughal embroidery?

A1: Mughal embroidery enhances ethnic wear by putting on clothes like anarkalis, salwar suits, and lehengas where the work is normally meant for festive occasions and weddings. In addition to that, Mughal-styled embroidery is also carved on western dresses and tunics for an elegant crossover look at the cultures.

Q2: What is the history of Mughal embroidery?

A2: The origin of Mughal embroidery dates back to the Mughal reign in India. The craft was greatly inspired by Persian art, and it consequently came up with lavish and complex designs. The embroidery gradually incorporated other regional styles to develop what we do know today as Mughal embroidery.

Q3: Does Mughal embroidery have any cultural significance?

A3: Mughal embroidery has deep cultural value as it reflects the empire's rich artistic legacy. The designs and motifs used in the work are normally symbols of nature, spirituality, and royal life, which represent ideals and stories that were famous during the time of the Mughals.

Q4: How can one tell the difference between authentic and fake Mughal embroidery?

A4: The most befitting way of distinguishing genuine from fake Mughal embroidery is by looking at the craftsmanship involved. Real hand-stitched embroidery will have inconsistent, detailed work with careful attention paid to every single design element, whereas machine-stitched imitation will have uniform and fast work.

Q5: How should one maintain Mughal-embroidered clothes?

A5: Gently wash Mughal-embroidered clothes in cold water with mild detergent and avoid soaking them. Do not whip the clothes; instead, let them air dry in a shaded area. For embroidered items, consider dry cleaning to preserve intricate designs and avoid damage.