Chikankari Embroidery

Chikankari is a delicate white-thread embroidery tradition associated with Lucknow since the Mughal era, popularly linked to the patronage of Empress Noor Jehan, and sustained since by generations of artisan families working from the city's old quarters.

Fine white or pastel thread is hand-stitched onto lightweight cotton, muslin or georgette using dozens of distinct stitches — including bakhiya, phanda and jaali — to build delicate shadow-work floral and paisley motifs.