Shisha( Mirror) Work-1

INTRODUCTION

Shisha is a Persian word later on adopted by Hindi or Urdu languages. the word "Shisha" means glass and mirror. Shisha work or embroidery using mirrors is perhaps unique to India (Indian sub continent). It is said that this type of embroidery was introduced by the Mughal from Persia when they occupied Indian sub continent.

Where the Royalty and rich had gold, silver and precious gems to add richness and glitter to their clothes, the common folk used mirrors or shisha for adorning their cloths. They were affordable, easy to stitch on to the clothes, shimmered like stars in the sky and added beauty to their clothes. It was also believed that the light reflected by Shisha would ward of evil spirits. So, Shisha Work was the forte of Folk Embroideries of India, practised by the Banjaras(Gypsies of India). The embroideries from Gujarath and Rajasthan use this work.

At first pieces of mica were used. Later on glass was blown into a globe like shape and broken to get the pieces. These pieces which were uneven and had slight curvatures were used. Now pieces of mirrors perfectly cut on machines in various shapes are used.

The Shisha work slowly made its way on to the blouses, kurthas (tunics), lehenga (long skirts), saris, worn by girls and young women and also on bags, purses, cushion covers etc.  Actually the skirts of Banjara women and women from Gujarath and Rajasthan and also their blouses have heavily embroidered Shisha work. But this was scaled down to suit the modern needs and was a huge hit in early 70s to 80s. Even today this embroidery is well appreciated.

Shisha Work in combination with Kutch Work or appliqué work was quite popular in India. In the present times, with the growing appreciation for ethnic art, hand made goods, embroideries of India have again caught the eyes of the fashion designers as well the end users. Today instead of glass mirrors, paillettes are being used, which are light weight. 

So here is my attempt to bring out a series of posts on Shisha work and the stitches used in it some of which I have learnt from my family, friends and some of my own experiments. I promised to do these tutorials for my very dearest friend Dee a long time back but somehow could not. These posts are dedicated to Dee 

I will also try to post some patterns and my sampler as I make it.

Just keep a watch......

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