Chikankari is a timeless and elegant hand embroidery technique that originates from Lucknow, India. Known for its delicate floral patterns and intricate threadwork, Chikankari has found its way from traditional kurtas to modern sarees, lehengas, and even Western wear. While the charm of this age-old craft continues to grow, finding authentic Chikankari online can be a bit of a challenge, especially with the influx of mass-produced imitations flooding the market.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to buy genuine Chikankari online, what to look for, and where to find trusted sellers offering hand-embroidered pieces that preserve the artistry and heritage of this beautiful craft.
What Makes Chikankari Authentic?
The authentic Chikankari takes the form of hand-embroidered craft usually done by women and employs the use of traditional embroidery done with bakhiya (shadow work), phanda (knot), keel kangan, and jaali. Every piece is handmade, individually something wrong in the endearing manner as well as has the mark of the artisan. Machine-made Chikankari on the contrary has no depth, texture and individuality of handmade embroidery.
When one is buying online, one needs to make the difference between the two. Pay attention to the description of products and enlarge photos to see any anomalies in line distribution indicating a hand done embroidery. The authentic sellers tend to emphasize on the work of the artisan, the area where it is produced and the processes involved..
Tips to Buy Authentic Chikankari Online
Counter check Brands or Sellers Reputation
Search the internet and find stores that deal with handloom and handmade goods. Review the customer reviews, ratings and social network comments. Reliable sellers have a tendency to be open with regards to their sourcing and manufacturing method.
Search Handcrafted Tags or Certifications
Others brands engage in cooperation with artisan cooperatives, or are branded with the help of the government programs that certify Indian handlooms. These accreditations tend to ensure genuineness.
Focus on the Pricing
Although Chikankari does not need to be very costly, very cheap ones should be considered as alarming. Embroidery is a handwork art and this is why an original piece would take hours before completing hence in the prices.
Take Notice of Product Descriptions
Terms such as hand-embroidered, artisan-made or Lucknowi Chikankari keywords should be sought. Any description that talks of particular stitches or the amount of time it took to create the product tends to be genuine.
Final Thoughts
Buying authentic Chikankari online is not just about fashion—it’s about preserving a rich cultural legacy and supporting artisan livelihoods. With a little research and careful shopping, you can find beautifully hand-embroidered pieces that are not only stylish but also ethically made.
So next time you shop online, choose authenticity, choose craftsmanship, and wear a piece of India’s heritage with pride.
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