Divine Fungus: This organic
motif in Chinese mythology symbolizes longevity and immortality. This abstruse motif, sometimes difficult to find hidden in the embroidery, is often placed on Parsi garments particularly jhablas and gives protection to the wearer.
Embroidered sarees showing Chinese influence were very popular. These family heirlooms depict the aquatic world, birds and animals.
The Parsis were influenced by both the
eastern and western cultures of the world. Parsis also used Western motifs such as the Swiss roses and bows in garas, jhablas and kors.
The Paisley has been used in
various cultures of the world. In Parsi embroidery both the Indian and Chinese paisley have been used. The Indian paisley or Ambi is more ornate as compared to the Chinese paisley, which is larger and squarish.
Chinese embroidery often depicted daily
life with the help of fine threads and a balanced use of colour. These scenes portrayed Chinese men and women (cheena-cheeni) with birds and animals. architectural details such as pagodas are finely embroidered on this red ghat silk gara
Enterprising Parsis traveled and settled in other parts of India especially the Deccan and hence acquired local skills like Zardozi embroidery and incorporated it in their embroidery repertoire. With European influence came European stitches, designs and new shades of colour. There was a large crossover of vocabulary as Parsis imbibed the best from east and west to create a special form. *
Parsi textiles depict two confronting birds,a motif which originated in Western Asia, but was transmitted to China through Sogdiana in the Tang Dynasty. This favourite motif is seen here both woven in Tanchoi fabric and embroidered in Parsi textiles.
These sessions are especially aimed at creating awareness and sensitizing the Parsi community giving a sense of pride in this wonderful heritage. The workshops have drawn upon the expertise of some of India’s best designers as well as older Parsi practitioners of the craft both interacting with and motivating the chosen craftsmen. After familiarizing them with the Parsi embroidery tradition, the workshops have encouraged them to initiate new ideas to carry the craft forward. A craft can only prosper if the craftsmen are patronized to innovate and create new forms, thus constantly challenging and improving their own skills. There is an assurance of benefit to the craftsmen involved. Effort will be made to ensure that the contemporizing for product development would be sensitive to the original and carry the hallmark of Parsi tradition.
Parzor hopes to encourage young Parsis to continue an ancient heritage as well as use the sessions as an opportunity for enterprising Zoroastrians to build teams, collaborate with craftsmen and develop a business module, which will take this heritage into the future. The workshops have empowered members of the community with technical knowledge, introduced them to professional designers as well as taught basic management skills, packing of products and interaction with prospective buyers.
Any interested individual is welcome to contact us for further details Please contact Mr. Ashdeen Lilaowala, Project Head, at ashdeenl@rediffmail.com or write to him at Parzor Foundation, F-17, Hauz Khas Enclave, LGF, New Delhi 110016. Ph. 011-26513560.
If you have special embroidery to be documented for posterity in any part of India or Hong Kong or if you would like in any way to be a part of the UNESCO Parzor exploration of Parsi textiles and embroidery please contact Dr. Shernaz Cama, Director, Unesco Parzor Project at shernazcama@hotmail.com or at the above address. You could also contact our Bombay representative Ms. Perin Panday at 6, Shiv Sadan, 2nd Floor, Marine Drive, Mumbai 400020. Ph. 022-22045017. Any information from Zoroastrian families willing to share their unique heirlooms for the documentation project will add greatly to the value of this community study. You could also contact Dr.Cama using the comments space at the end of the following online form.
If you are interested in participating in Parzors Textile Module please fill in the form below:
PARZOR CRAFTS is the revival branch of the Textile Research Module. We are happy the announce that UNESCO, after a rigorous selection process chose one of our Hand Embroidered stoles for the Seal of
Excellence Award for Year 2008. Parzor crafts was competing with over 180 countries.