031. Kutch Embroidery

Kutch Embroidery is one of the most distinctive and easily identifiable craft styles of India and derives its name from the source of its origin, the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is an evolving expression of the craft and textile traditions of the nomadic tribe in Gujarat, practiced normally by women. It is characterised by its use of bright colours, mirrors and beads and intricate and extensive embroidery that embellishes the entire fabric on which it is based.

Usually crafted on cotton or silk fabric, it is done with silk or woollen thread using fine stitches to create detailed and elaborate patterns. Certain styles use silk and a satin-like material too. Motifs and designs draw inspiration from architectural and human motifs, as well as Persian and Mughal art. The colours used are mainly green, indigo, deep red, black, yellow and ivory. 

The embroidery is further embellished with its use of mirrors, shells and beads, which are placed strategically in between or around the patterns. Mirrors or abhla are an inherent part of many embroidery styles in Kutch, making the fabrics glisten and shine. Square chain, double buttonhole, pattern darning, running stitch, satin and straight stitches are used to create intricate patterns.

Kutch embroidery is unique in the sense that a net is woven on a cloth using thread. The net is then filled in using the same thread by intricate interlocking stitches. The patterns are usually built around geometric shapes.  Kutch work embroidery has different varieties, styles, motifs and colours that vary from community to community and region to region.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 10 July 2008

GI Tag Number                         : 103

Certificate Number                  : 82

Geographical Area                  : Gujarat

Special Cover Release Date   : 06 April 2021

Cancellation                             : Dandi 396 439

Type                                          : GI Tag Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  : GUJ/07/2021

This cover has QR Code which when scanned leads to Garvi Gurjari website which is Gujarat State Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation. Issued in a special presentation pack with 5 other covers related to GI Tag from Gujarat.

Enlarged View of Illustration in Cover

Enlarged View of Cancellation

The following are few stamps released by India Post on Kutch Embroidery

Postage Stamp Issued on 31 December 2018 ,
 Handicrafts of India 

Sheetlet Issued on 19 December 2019
Embroideries of India

Enlarged View of the Stamp