Shanti Banaras Takes A New Initiative to Conserve The Craft Legacy of India

Known for celebrating India’s rich craft culture through intricately woven sarees, lehengas, dupattas and shawls, Shanti Banaras’ extensive body of work in the handloom and hand-embroidery sector aims at empowering weavers and craftsmen. The label has recently launched a new initiative to revive the dying craft of hand-embroidered tapestries through exquisite Pichwai artworks for interior decor space. Khushi Shah, the founder of Shanti Banaras, takes us through her ambitious project.

Khushi Shah, Founder, Shanti Banaras

Cultured Luxurist: Tell us about the artwork initiative taken by Shanti Banaras. What inspired you to delve into it?

Khushi Shah: We have started with heirloom artworks via Pichwai paintings to revive the traditional craft of hand-embroidered tapestries. With a body of work in handlooms/hand-embroidered textiles, it was easier to branch out into other areas without much difficulty. Having worked with a few clients in furnishing their homes with handwoven fabrics, we decided to begin our home line of hand-embroidered artworks. We created our first artwork exclusively for our retail store that was well-received by our clients. It encouraged us to take the plunge into commissioned artworks.

CL: Why did you choose Rajasthani Pichwai paintings in particular? What's the story behind it?

KS: Coming from a Gujarati background, my family believes in Lord Shrinathji. The traditional art form of Pichwai emerged at the Nathdwara temple dedicated to Shrinathji. We naturally gravitated towards it and decided to give it our own 'Shanti' spin. The uniqueness of our artworks lies in the details. Our hand-painted Pichwais have intricate embroideries like no other.

CL: What is the process of commissioning these art pieces? How long does it take?

KS: One of our first pieces took about nine to ten months. Since we forayed into a new space, we wanted to take time to understand and do justice to the process. The process begins with collective ideation by our in-house design team. Later, sketching is done followed by a graph to finalise the art. Our team members then match the colours for the artwork. Next, it’s stretched on a khaka for embroidery. It takes about two to three craftsmen to complete the embroidery process in two to three months. The craftsmen can embroider half a meter in one day, depending on the intricate detailing. The artwork goes for the finishing process and extra backing, a process that requires patience and love.

 CL: Where are your artisans for the project based?

KS: An entire team of master craftsmen from Banaras create magic through art together. We have a designer, a sketcher, a weaver, a graphic artist, a dyer, and others on our team.

CL: With contemporary and minimal design interventions taking up the interior decor space, how do you think traditional craft can be a part of modern eclectic design spaces?

KS: These artworks are statement pieces that can find a home with any aesthetic. It will add a pop to any minimal and contemporary design. Having traditional art is an effective way to add personality, history, and visual interest to a modern space.

With the help of our weavers, we are working towards blending traditional crafts with modern eclectic designs. We plan to use our traditional craft of hand embroidery to explore contemporary art and move beyond Pichwai-inspired art by using other abstract motifs, patterns and landscapes.

CL: What are your plans for this unique product category?

KS: We envision our pieces to be a part of the decor of heritage hotels in India. It will be a platform for us to promote the craft in cities like Udaipur and Jaipur. It will also help us to reach a newer target audience who will get an immersive experience in understanding the technique better.