Phulkari

Phulkari Latest News

Over 40 rare pre-Partition textiles at an exhibition trace how phulkari functioned within women’s lives, and their everyday worlds.

About Phulkari

• Phulkari, meaning “flower work,” is a traditional embroidery from undivided Punjab, including present-day Pakistan and Haryana. 
• The term first appeared in 18th-century Punjabi literature and may be linked to the Iranian art of gulkari.
• Historically, phulkari chaddars were an essential part of a girl’s marriage trousseau, crafted by mothers and grandmothers from the girl’s birth. 
• Girls learned to embroider early, with the number of phulkaris reflecting the family’s status and marking cultural milestones.

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Phulkari Features

• It is a form of counted-thread embroidery recognised by its neat, regular patterns of geometric and natural motifs.
• Phulkari embroidery uses khaddar, a handspun and handwoven cotton fabric, traditionally dyed in madder brown, rust red, indigo, or green.
• Colourful silk threads are used to create flower patterns on the fabric.
• The mix of colourful silk threads creates a beautiful and exciting design. 
• The floral imagery used in phulkari includes marigolds, jasmines, lotuses, and Tree of Life motifs. 
• Modern motifs such as trains, trucks, and cars have also found their way into phulkari patterns. 
• Phulkari’s product range includes embroidered chaddars, dupattas, and stoles, traditionally worn by brides or for ceremonies.

Source: TH