A Lattice Of Knots
by - Tarun Tahiliani
The delicate floral motifs that passed down through generations of Lucknawi artisans date back to the Mughal era. Popular legend tells of the Empress Noor Jahan favouring the intricate embroidery almost like lattice on muslin. Chikankari quickly became a favourite in Jahangir’s court and a symbol of nobility among the Nawabs of Mughal India. It continues to retain this regal appeal as celebrated designers across the country turn to its subtle opulence for their finest creations.
Discover More
Beyond Borders & Symmetry
The miniature paintings of northern India are capsules of history, romance & folklore captured within the symmetry of frames and borders. Garden motifs & gold-tinted Persian scripts are highlighted against backdrops of royal blue, rich burgundy & verdant green as they take you on a journey through India’s culture & history.
And, as history leaves its tales behind in search for newer spaces to fill, so do the borders that once framed it. Interpreted anew by Tarun Tahiliani, these frames are rendered as minimalist carpets, anchored in those archaic works of art.
A Woven Canvas
Layering and textures, two signature Tarun Tahiliani indulgences, work their way into the muted tones and abstract patterns of his original artwork. Devoid of figurative motifs as they may be, these designs are deeply symbolic and unique in their free-flowing patterns.
To the classically-trained weaver charged with a faithful rendering however, this presented a new challenge altogether. The paintings, created using a drip technique through which the oil slowly mutes out the pigment, had to be recreated in the contrasting process of hand-knotted carpet-weaving.
Breaking new ground in that they are a testament to the laborious skills of the craftsmen who made them & evocative in Tahiliani’s play with colour & texture, these arresting designs conjure a modern, luxurious way forward.