Orange and Blue City - 16x16 Silk Abstract Cushion Cover

Size: 16x16 inch square

Note: Get 2 inches bigger insert to fill in the corners and keep the pillow full and fluffy.

Material: Silk on sturdy cotton.

Clean: Dry-clean and/or spot-clean. If required light-hand-wash using the right silk cleanser and hang dry.  

These are well made hand-embroidered cushion covers from 'Kashmir' the northern-most state of India. We directly work with our artisans in Kashmir who use the chain-stitch hand-embroidering technique to make beautiful patterns on cloth. They do so using different colored woolen and silk threads. This kind of work is called the 'Kashidari' embroidery achieved by the use of a traditional needle called the 'Aari' . This embroidery work is done after stretching the cloth tightly over a wooden frame, then the penlike needle 'Aari' which resembles a crochet needle is used to do the intrinsic work. It could take an artisan from a day to about a week's time to finish making one cover.

They work with various designs including the traditional patterns and the more evolved inspirational modern art designs.They make animals, birds, leaves, flowers, traditional intricate patterns, tribal and abstract designs. The newer modern art designs seen today in their work involve faces, quirky modern cats, music, emotions, and Picasso like designs. The modern art forms are influenced by famous artists such as Picasso and Alfred Gockel.

Here you can check out the tribal design pattern which has an Afghan/Persian influence. This style known as the 'Aari' embroidery work has it's origin back in the 12th century, which marked the rule of the Mughal emperors. The Mughals patronized these traditional design forms as a part of their royal living culture. These motifs were a part of the heavy rugs, wall hangings, vessel designs as well as their royal costumes.