Chikan embroidery on a cotton kurta. Click on image for close up.

Chikan is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, India. Literally translated, the word means embroidery. Believed to have been introduced by Nur Jehan, Mughal emperor Jahangir's wife, it is one of Lucknow's most famous textile decoration styles. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 589 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1693 × 1724 pixel, file size: 971 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) High resolution image of traditional wooden (sandalwood) cuff links styles buttons and Chikan embroidery on the Kurta, taken with Cannon Powershot A-85 (4. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 589 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1693 × 1724 pixel, file size: 971 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) High resolution image of traditional wooden (sandalwood) cuff links styles buttons and Chikan embroidery on the Kurta, taken with Cannon Powershot A-85 (4. ... A kurta (or sometimes kurti, for women) is a traditional piece of clothing worn in Afghanistan, northern India, and Pakistan. ... Gold Embroidery Cross-stitch embroidery, Hungary, mid-20th century Phulkari from Punjab region, India 15th century embroidered cope, Ghent, Belgium Elizabethan embroidery styles include blackwork on linen and dense patterns worked in colored silk and metallic threads on velvet or other rich fabrics Embroidery is the art or handicraft of... Lucknow   (Hindi: लखनऊ, Urdu: لكهنو, ) is the capital city of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. ... Mughal empress Nur Jehan. ... It has been suggested that Mughal Era be merged into this article or section. ... n ...

Patterns and effects created depend on types of stitches used and the thickness of the threads used in embroidery. Some the varieties of the stitches used include back-stitch, chain stitch and hemstitch and result is an open work pattern, jali (lace) or shadow-work.

Traditionally, white threads were used on semi-transparent muslin cloth. However, with the advent of newer fabric types, and changing demands and fashions chikankari is now also been done on a variety of fabrics including synthetic ones. Chikankari is also available now in various colours. Sequin work is also done on the fabrics along with chikankari to give it the exquisite and glittering look.

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