Danka work or Danka embroidery is a
400 year old tradition. Currently only two practitioners of the work remain in
Udaipur. It is conducted by the bohra community of Udaipur. A recent workshop
was held in Udaipur to train 20 individuals in this beautiful art form.
The 'danka' is a small square plate,
varied in size, but not bigger than 1.5 cm. Though originally it was made of
pure gold, now silver-plated with gold dankas are used. To make the danka,
thin, well-finished and polished silver sheets of 98 percent purity are
electroplated in gold in strips of 30 cm X 2.5 cm. These are washed in water
and polished with fine sand. Then the strips are cut into 1.5 cm squares and
the squares hammered with a stone implement till they resemble the tip of an
ice cream cone. This method was earlier also known as korpatti-ka-kaam.
The cost of this
art is calculated according to its weight. This decorative technique is usually
worked on fabrics like satin, chiffon or silk fabric. The fabric is stretched
tightly on a wooden frame before it is embroidered and the craftsman sits on
the floor. Danka pieces are spread on the fabric as required by the design. The
danka is pierced with a sharp needle, bringing out the thread through the
fabric. About three to five strands of kasab (gold or silver wire) are kept
over each danka and couched down along its edges. It is secured with eight
stitches in the shape of a knot. Two stitches go into the back and the other
two at each corner and two on the front. About three to five strands of 'kasab'
(gold or silver wire) are placed over each danka along its edges. It is secured
with eight stitches in the shape of a knot - two at the back, one in each
corner and two in the front.The most popular motifs used in danka work are
inspired by nature - the sun, the moon as well as the paisley design in a
stylised form. Round and flat metal braids about one quarter of a centimeter in
width that are used to highlight the design. Additional stitches used include
the chain stitch, satin stitch for the design filling, while stem and running
stitches are for lighter work.
Source : www.rajasthantextiles.com
We bring to you exclusive danka work
kurtas !! Truly royal and classy, these will define elegance and add a touch of
class to your ethnic wardrobe!!
