KANTHA OF BENGAL

BY- Sheetal Athalye

Introduction
• Kantha is traditional
folk art of Bengal
kantha basically is
quilting.
• Kantha are produced at
Hugali, Patna, Satagon,
Jessore, Faridpur,
Khulna and other parts
of fast and west Bengal.
Fabric Used-
• Traditionally
kantha is done on
white cotton
because saris and
dhotis are white
and made up of
cotton.
• Tussar silk is also
used.
• Base fabric is
always neutral in
color like black,
white, beige, grey,
dull brown.
Stitched Used-
• Darning stitch
is mostly used
but satin and
loop stitch is
also used.
• Embroidery
may start
from centre
to outline or it
vice-versa.
Motifs Used-

Lotus
Mandala
Satadala Padma=
the lotus with hundred
petals
Trees
Creepers
Foliges
Floral scrolls
Kalkas
Animal figures
Human figure
Spirals
Birds, Fish, Boats, Submarine, Sceneries, Ship,
Pitcher, Mermaids, Various sea monsters, Comb,
Mirror, Nut, Cracker, Umbrella, Chariot, Palanquin
etc.
The design of kantha are taken from day to day life, depicting folk stories,
epics mythological background, ritualistic motifs, dancing peacocks,
temples, jewelries etc.