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Dhaka Day by Day

'Nakshi Kanthas' With Refreshing Patterns

by S Ban
There was a lime when nakshl kantha was a woman's pastime, a way lo recycle and decorate old clothing. Now the ubiquitous nakshl stitch haunts every handicraft shop in sight. Inevitably, a lot of it Is sloppy and unoriginal
That's why the collection currently on display at the Goethe Institute in Dhanmondl is refreshing. Based mainly on sarecs and some shalwar kamcez. the exhibition is presented by an organization with the somewhat cryptic name of Henry's Heritage. The craftsmanship is nearly flawless, and the designs have flair end originality.
A lot of traditional motifs are flung about, especially the fish, the kalka. and leafy designs, but the colour combinations are urbane and modern. Most of the nakshl work is done by women in Sherpur, under the guidance of Razia Samad, a designer. She organizes the women, many of whom had the skills previously but lacked the funds and marketing knowledge to make their work financially profitable.
At -the exhibition, designer Sharuk Shahid explains the curious name and its origins: "Henry is our sponsor and financier's name." he says with a smile- "Since we would like to eventually export, wc felt this name would be easier for foreigners to pronounce." The rest of this sponsor s name is Musa Mohammed Hastnur Rahman. * -
Hcnry s Heritage collects designs from all over the country. Though small, such
enterprises keep alive the art of nakshl kantha
Quills and more traditional objects sell less than clothing, which is why handicrafts businesses have branched Into sarecs and shalwar kamcez. This particular collection has the distinction of presenting unique pieces: no Iwo Hems are exactly the same in stitching or in colouring.
Nakshl stitching on shalwar kamecz. cushions and bedspreads has a much larger appeal than on sarecs. where the stitch tends to look a bit out of place. But as more and more buyers wear nakshl kantha sarecs. this might well become a new trend, a break from traditional Jamdant If handicraft entrepreneurs develop a large enough network lo export sarecs to neighbouring countries, the market potential is enormous, judging from the number of tourists who load iheir suitcases with kantha stitch sarecs.
The collection 'Is not exclusively of nakshl kantha — some exquisite pottery is on sale as well. Hand made by Q A Tahmina, the plates and vases range from brightly coloured ethnic to subdued sophisticate. Many of the.lamps arc converted vases with hand pain led shades.
Dhurries and woolen rugs, made with Bangladeshi wool, are also available as part of Henry's Heritage. The show continues for Friday and Saturday, at the Goethe Institute Road ■ Two in Dhanmondi.