The dying art of Bengal’s Kantha

That is correct the art of Bengal’s Kantha is dying at presently. Kantha, basically is an embroidery design which in today’s world can be called way to recycle worn out clothes! Yes it true that Kantha is made out of used rags, sarees, dhotis (traditionally) or cloth of any kind into beautifully designer blankets, covers, runners, wall hangings, protectors and many more.

What is it and how does it look: Kantha when translated into English roughly means a quilt. However this quilt is a decorated piece of furnishing that celebrates the intricacy of colorful threads woven to form geometric patterns, shapes of animals, birds, or even can be used as a medium of storytelling about day to day lives. It can also depict stories from the myth at times. Since this artwork is completely handmade, people usually play with the motifs the way they like. Yes this is one of a kind of hand embroidery that can really take your breath away.

Where did it originate: This traditional embroidery design is believed to be the art of the great-great-grandmothers of Bengal. This art has been passed on to the daughters by their mothers and can be dated back to thousands years as of now. This embroidery pattern is an inherent talent that can be found easily among the women of Bengal.

An earnest endeavor: However with busy lifestyle and hectic schedules along with the new emerging roles of women in the economy this handmade craft is becoming extinct. Here is a chance to revive this hand embroidery of Kantha by a group of 2 women. The above pictures will give you a fair idea as to that we are trying to make this hand embroidery design gain popularity afresh all across the world. In order to help this art survive, here is a humble effort of these brave women to bring their cultural heritage out into the world once again.

What do they offer: The Kanthas that these women excel in designing approximately measure around 20” by 20” and is priced between 300 – 700 INR ($10 - $20) each (shipping charges additional). These are one of the finest handmade Kanthas from Bengal and are made out of 100% cotton. Please contact me at soumi1104@gmail.com for placing an online order.

What can you use these for: Speaking of customs a Kantha is usually used as a quilt as already said, yet conventionally it is used as baby wraps or protectors. This is one of the major reasons why one will find a Kantha to be soft to touch and safe to use. Nonetheless the use can be varied and multiple, like one can use it as a wall hanging by simply framing it (we also have it on offer), table runner, cushion protector (as shown in the picture), blanket for adults (order accordingly), bedspread, table cover, TV cover, DVD cover, and much more.

The lively, colorful and wavy designs of the Kantha will certainly remind the people of Bengal about their old heritage that they were about to forget. Well there is no need to worry about that as we at the Bengal Grandma’s Art will never let that happen!