shawls to wall hangings to rugs to garments. The craftsmen and this is one of the areas where embroidery is a male as well as a female art are inspired by the beauties of nature that surround them and turn to motifs such as the "ambia" (mango) and "boteh" (flowers) and the chinar leaves. Ari, or hook embroidery done with an awl, the famous crewel work of Kashmir, employs motifs of flower designs firmly worked in concentric rings of chain stich. A range of colors is used for this art which decorates articles such as cushion covers, bed covers and table cloths. In general, dry cleaning is the preferred method of washing these embroidered woolen shawls and stoles. To wash by hand, use cold water. After washing, do not wring dry. Si...  (less)

city of Luknow execute the embroidery work. A sari is the most commonly seen costume of unstitched cloth worn by women across South Asia. Varying in size, style, pattern, color and richness, it crosses all class and caste barriers, regional traditions and urban fashions continue to contribute to its repertoire of design forms. Each area in India has its own distinctive method of draping a saree. One end is generally worn tucked at the waist into a petticoat, pleated and then wound around the legs to make a long skirt reaching to the ankles; the remaining end may be thrown over a shoulder or over the head. A widow is frequently expected to wear a white saree older women wear dark tone, while bright colures are reserved for younger wo...  (less)