A

DOCUMENT

ON

ZALAKDOZI

INTRODUCTION

TO

ZALAKDOZI

Crewel or Hook embroidery is locally known as Zalakdozi. It is one of the specialized styles of embroidery practiced in

Kashmir. It is chain stitch embroidery done with hook locally known as “ari”. It is a special work on carpet known as crewel for which chain stitch is the base supplement with satin and

whip stitches.

HISTORY OF ZALAKDOZI

Zalakdozi is hook embroidery, named after a hook resembled a crochet. John Irwin state that, Zalakdozi was probably

introduced in Kashmir by Damascus craftsmen during sultan Zain-ul-Abidini’s rule. Various articles are prepared by hook

embroidery and one of them is Namada, a felt carpet. It is an important textile of Kashmir. Namada is either in white or

various colours that is richly embroidery by wool with chain stitch. It is a special work on carpet known as crewed for which

chain stitch is the base supplement with satin and whip stitches. The carpet designs selected for Namada ranged from

Persian to French.

Kashmir embroidery perhaps is the most popular commercial embroidery not only because it has retained its rich heritage but also has made necessary adoption according to the likes,

choices and demand of the market.

MOTIFS OF ZALAKDOZI

Motifs of Zalakdozi are mostly taken from nature. Animal and human figures are usually not seen due to Muslim influence. They are:-

Chinar leaf,

Shikagarh,

Theridar,

Bulbuldar,

Guldar,

Badamadar,

Kalka,

Parrot,

Birds , etc.

COLOUR USED IN ZALAKDOZI

The base colour of the fabric is generally cream or white or similar pastel shades. A wide range of colours are used by the

Kashmiri embroiders for the embroidery yarns including

White - sufed,

Green - zingari,

Dark- green,

Purple- uda,

Blue- ferozi,

Light blue,

Yellow- zard,

Black- mushki,

Crimson- gulmor,

Scarlet- kirmiz these are died exclusively in vegetable dyestuff.