Zardozi

Zardozi or Zar-douzi (Persian: زَردوزی, Arabic: خرير الماء, Urdu: زَردوزی, Azerbaijani: Zərdozi, Hindi: ज़रदोज़ी) work is a type of embroidery in Iran, Azerbaijan, Iraq,Kuwait, Turkey, Central Asia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery, which once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India. It was also used to adorn walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses. Zardozi embroidery work involves making elaborate designs, using gold and silver threads. Further adding to the magnificence of the work are the studded pearls and precious stones. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. However, today, craftsmen make use of a combination of copper wire, with a golden or silver polish, and a silk thread.

Zardozi is a Persian word that means sewing with gold string. Zar meaning gold and Dozi meaning embroidery. Zardosi attained its summit in the 17th century, under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Under the rule of Aurangzeb, the royal patronage stopped and this led to the decline of the craft. Since the cost was high and raw materials quite rare, craftsmen could not carry on with the embroidery on their own.

Zardozi is one of the most important elements of Persian cultural signs and Handicrafts. It is known around the country by names such as zar-douzi (Persian: زردوزی‎‎), kam-douzi (Persian: کم‌دوزی‎‎), gol-douzi (Persian: گل‌دوزی‎‎) and kaman-douzi (Persian: کمان‌دوزی‎‎). Nowadays it is more popular in Hormozgan, especially in Bandar-e Lenge, Bandar-e Abbas, and Minab.

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Wikipedia