India’s first signs of embroidery dates back to the Vedic period 5,000 years ago when the Vedas enunciated a period of intellectual life of man which has no parallel in human history. Today, this tradition lives on…..

An artist designs the mapping for the intricate Chikan embroidery patterns which has been a trade in India since the 16^th Century. It was seen as a Royal art during the Mughal Empire with recordings during history of Portuguese influences.

Our highly skilled craftsmen take 100’s of hours to carefully stitch intricate patterns that create the elaborate motifs you see here today.

It is our great passion & pleasure to bring you these masterpieces, so that you may enjoy the timeless embroidery tradition made with a heartfelt love for color and style by the Nobel People of India.

HISTORY OF THE SHAWL & PASHMINA WOOL:

The English word shawl comes from the Persian word “shal”. For centuries, shawls have been admired around the world. Kashmiri shawls have been the most sought after shawls throughout history. Kashmir shawls, first woven in the 11^th century, migrated to Europe, where manufacturers were quick to copy them by weaving or printing. During the 18^th and 19^th centuries  in Europe, Paisley  shawl designs were the fashion for nearly 100 years, during which time the majority were woven and embroidered in Kashmir.  England and France sought inspiration to design Paisley shawls, but nothing could compare to the craftsmanship of a Kashmir woven Paisley shawl.

The origin of Pashmina dates back to ancient civilization. The art of Pashmina making is believed to be as old as 3000 years B.C. In the past, only rich and elite had the privilege of enjoying luxurious fabric. Pashmina shawls found favor with Emperors, Rulers and Nobleman.  It adorned the court of Caesar and was the pride of French queen, Marie Antoinette. Impressed with the unparalleled looks of Kashmir shawl, Emperor Napoleon presented it to impress Josephine. Until mid-twentieth century, Kashmir's kings had the sole right to purchase all pashmina from Nepal, Tibet and other higher reaches of Himalayas. This resulted in establishment of flourishing cottage industry in Kashmir and has lead to the perfection of art of pashmina making. The making of Kashmir Pashmina is labor intensive and on an average it takes nearly 200 - 250 man-hours to make a single pure plain pashmina shawl without embroidery.

Rasa Devi takes great pleasure in bringing you such timeless traditions to you through our shawls. We believe it is important to offer you a shawl that is made with care by our weavers who have no less than 15 years experience. It is important to us that you have, not only the finest quality fiber and color, but the most intricate weave which is what gives these masterpieces their character and elegance. It is our great passion & pleasure to bring you a special shawl to fit your very own style.