Golden Trellis is our heirloom collection of Mukaish work that was historically done once upon a time in Awadh region, but is not done any more. Golden Trellis is a result of, one of the many research projects we are working upon simultaneously. We know some might not see light of the day (although we firmly believe that everything can be revived if we just have the right patience and the will to keep going), some will prove to be false tales – a mirage of a narrative built for dramatic value and nothing more…but some, like Golden Trellis will be a reality that can be translated to fabric yet again, even if in a small way, or a shadow of its one time glory…at least there will be a start.

Golden Trellis is part of the Art & Antiquities Project undertaken by Meiraas.

The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):

• Heritage Mukaish work re created: This work is known as Gukhru work . It has not been done in India or is extremely rarely done anymore. This is overlapping mesh Jaali work done in Mukaish. Its karigars are not alive now, and some of the karigars who learnt this art do not work in India. This was re created when one of them came on a small visit to his family in India. He has taught some amount of work to our small group of artisans in Lucknow. This work was historically done in Lucknow only. What can be better sustainability than finding out a lost artwork in a craft & helping revive it again to wearable pieces, & most importantly in pieces that can be part of today’s Heritage Builders’ private collection; this will ensure the craft’s continued sustainability.
• Mukaish Hand Embroidery with proper “ghutaai” – this means Mukaish embroidery has been rubbed using old technique of filling pebbles in a bottle and rubbing on the embroidery, instead of new age roller press method. This one method ensures long lasting Mukaish. In itself Mukaish is more sustainable craft that sequins or “salma sitaara” embroidery, as Mukaish never comes off, maintaining the look of the garment for much longer time.

KHAYAL (moodboard): Poetry etched in fabric, Golden Trellis alludes to the once opulent courts of the ancient royalties of India. Trellis is the jaali like window pattern, a signature architecture in heritage monuments of the Golden Era. This museum quality piece of legacy bound, wearable art will a pride for any one who owns it.

POSHAAK (about the dupatta): Pure Organza Silk Dupatta embroidered beautifully with the rare & precious Golden Kairi (Paisley). This is a very complex embroidery where Mukaish wires are embroidered one on top of another to make a mesh trellis patten & is then interlocked within a ring. The back of this dupatta (3rd image) leaves the onlooker startled with the dexterity that would have been employed. It is like “weaving” embroidery within the fabric! Even in this miniature motif, the craftsmanship is unbelievable. A historic dupatta, that will always be the pride of the owner & will remain as part of handpicked private collection.