Amalgamation of Aipan and Chikankari: An innovative approach

摘要

Aipan and Chikankari are the traditional folk arts of two neighbouring states in northern India. Chikankari is well known hand embroidery of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh which has acquired worldwide acclaim whereas Aipan which is a traditional floor painting of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand which is lesser known outside the state. This paper reviews both folk arts and proposes to amalgamate Aipan with Chikankari to innovate designs for Chikan embroidery which is demanding newness along with popularizing Aipan outside Uttarakhand through its mythological, natural and stylized designs. Some of the common Aipan designs were collected through secondary sources and new designs were created on butter paper using stitch effect. Novelty in designs was appreciated by judges.