Chikankari is the whisper-fine white-on-white embroidery of Lucknow, said to have been introduced by the Mughal empress Nur Jahan. Its shadow stitches and net-like 'jaali' work bloom across delicate pastels in over thirty distinct stitches.
- Region of origin:
- Uttar Pradesh
- GI registration:
- Lucknow Chikan Craft
- Materials:
- cotton; muslin; georgette
- Techniques:
- shadow-work white embroidery; jaali
- HS code (customs):
- 6214
Products
About Lucknow Chikankari
Chikankari is the whisper-fine white-on-white embroidery of Lucknow, said to have been introduced by the Mughal empress Nur Jahan. Its shadow stitches and net-like 'jaali' work bloom across delicate pastels in over thirty distinct stitches.
- Region of origin
- Uttar Pradesh
- GI registration
- Lucknow Chikan Craft
- Materials
- cotton; muslin; georgette
- Techniques
- shadow-work white embroidery; jaali
- HS code (customs)
- 6214
How it’s made
shadow-work white embroideryjaali
The makers
Crafted by Lucknow embroiderers of Uttar Pradesh.
Why “GI-tagged” matters
Lucknow Chikankari is registered under India’s Geographical Indication (GI) Act as “Lucknow Chikan Craft”. A GI tag legally certifies that a piece genuinely originates from its traditional region and is made by its rightful artisan community — your guarantee of authenticity.
Buying Lucknow Chikankari — questions, answered
- Are VedikCraft's Lucknow Chikankari pieces hand-painted or prints?
- Every Lucknow Chikankari piece is genuinely handmade by a named artisan — one of a kind, never a print or machine copy.
- Is this Lucknow Chikankari authentic and GI-certified?
- Yes. Lucknow Chikankari is a GI-protected craft (registered as “Lucknow Chikan Craft”). Every order ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and a QR code to verify its maker, region and GI status.
- What does an authentic Lucknow Chikankari piece cost?
- Handmade Lucknow Chikankari typically ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹40,000, depending on size, detail and the artisan.
- How do I care for a Lucknow Chikankari piece?
- Keep Lucknow Chikankari out of prolonged direct sunlight and damp, and dust it gently. Because each piece is handmade from natural materials, slight variations are part of its character.
GI-certified authenticity
Rooted in India’s registered craft traditions
Artisan-direct
Made by the makers — fair, direct earnings
Traceable provenance
Every piece carries its maker, region & origin