Process

‘Danke-ka-kaam’ is a kind of metal embroidery in Rajasthan that is a decorative feature in Rajasthani fabrics. It’s a 400-year old embroidery craft in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It's a craft that has primarily been practiced by Udaipur's Bohra community. The 'danka' is a small square plate, varied in size, but not bigger than 1.5 cm. This method was earlier also known as korpatti-ka-kaam. This decorative technique is usually worked on fabrics like satin, chiffon or silk fabric. The fabric is stretched tightly on a wooden frame before it is embroidered and the craftsman sits on the floor. Danka pieces are spread on the fabric as required by the design. The danka is pierced with a sharp needle, bringing out the thread through the fabric. About three to five strands of kasab (gold or silver wire) are kept over each danka and couched down along its edges. About three to five strands of 'kasab' (gold or silver wire) are placed over each danka along its edges. The most popular motifs used in danka work are inspired by nature - the sun, the moon as well as the paisley design in a stylised form. Round and flat metal braids about one quarter of a centimetre in width that is used to highlight the design.