Sujini Embroidery Work of Bihar
Embroidery
History
Sujani, a traditional Bihar embroidery, originated in Bhusara village. It involves straight-running stitch embroidery on layered cotton. Typically, patches from old saris and dhotis are sewn together with a running stitch. The quilt design, often depicting a mother's intentions for her newborn, is created with simple running and chain stitches. The result is a quilt-cum-bedspread, sometimes stuffed with tattered cloth.
Raw Materials and Tools
RAW MATERIALS: Cotton (Textile), Cotton thread and Embroidery thread
TOOL: Embroidery Needles
Process
Sujani embroidery involves filling the background with fine-running stitches in matching thread, creating a wavy tone-on-tone effect. Brown and red threads outline the motif, which is then filled with colored running stitches. This simple yet time-consuming technique requires patience and collaboration for larger pieces like bed sheets and curtains.
Design and Color
Sujani embroidery, a women's craft, narrates stories of women's lives, social issues, and everyday experiences. Themes include domestic abuse, dowry, girls' education, and female infanticide. Motifs from nature, religion, and daily life are also used, featuring animals, flowers, and symbols like the sun, clouds, and moon.
Product Range
Traditionally, sujani was done on quilts made out of layers of old cloth for covering new-born babies. Today, embroidery is done on any easily available fabric for varied end uses. Product diversification has given this beautiful embroidery a new lease on life. The product range now includes but is not limited to bedspreads, wall hangings, cushion and bolster covers, saris, dupattas, kurtas, stoles, and jackets.
