Kantha Embroidery
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Embroideries Of India |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | December 19, 2019 |
| Denomination | Rs. 15 |
| Quantity | 31,250 |
| Perforation | 13 x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Gulistaan Sh. Pallab Bose |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3631 Stamp Number IN 3192 Yvert et Tellier IN 3308 Stanley Gibbons IN 3707 |
| Themes | Textile |
The Threaded Tales of Tradition
A Legacy Sewn Through Time
Kantha embroidery is one of India’s oldest and most cherished forms of needlework, with origins tracing back to the 1st century AD. Emerging from the eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent — particularly West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, and Bangladesh — this timeless craft began as a humble act of reusing old fabrics such as worn-out saris and dhotis. Through delicate running stitches, women transformed these textiles into beautiful works of art that carried not just color, but stories of their lives and communities.
Symbolism in Every Stitch
The word Kantha means “patched cloth,” yet its meaning runs much deeper. It represents the art of transformation — of breathing new life into the old. Traditionally practiced by rural women, each Kantha piece reflects emotion, folklore, and the rhythm of everyday life. The designs are inspired by nature and geometry — dots, circles, triangles, and squares woven together to form intricate patterns that speak of simplicity and elegance.
Diverse Styles and Rich Techniques
Over time, Kantha evolved into several distinct styles, each serving a unique purpose. The Lep Kantha was used to create warm, padded quilts, while Sujani Kantha adorned covers for books and precious household items. Kantha embroidery also found expression in fashion — most famously in the creation of Kantha saris, traditionally worn by women across Bengal. The seven known types of Kantha stitches lend versatility and depth, transforming plain fabric into textured beauty.
From Village Art to Global Recognition
What began as a rural pastime has blossomed into a celebrated form of textile art recognized worldwide. Kantha embroidery now graces designer collections, home décor, and modern fashion lines. Its distinctive charm lies in the visible handwork — the imperfectly perfect rhythm of running stitches that connect past traditions with present aesthetics.
Kantha Embroidery on Stamps: A Tribute to India’s Craft Heritage
India Post, through its commemorative stamps, has honored many traditional crafts that embody the nation’s cultural spirit — and Kantha embroidery stands proudly among them. The Kantha Embroidery stamp pays tribute to the creativity, resilience, and artistry of rural Indian women who have, for centuries, turned thread and fabric into storytelling masterpieces.