Embroidered shisha work is a method of working which attaches small bits of mirror glass or reflective metal onto fabric. The term shisha originates from ancient Persian for glass and the technique originally began at the Moghul court and is now most related to areas of India, where in actuality the popularity of this type of embroidery occurred during the time of the development of glass making there. As elsewhere in the world, glass was originally an expensive commodity related to wealth. Decoration with glass mirror fragments was not only utilized on textiles but also on buildings, embedded in plaster, to form elaborate patterns and sumptuous designs.
When utilized on textiles for clothing and for religious or decorative hangings, shisha mirrors are traditionally used in repeating patterns. The inclusion of this e-shisha type of embroidery adds sparkle and depth to fabric textures and when used traditionally are regarded as auspicious in that they may give protection contrary to the evil eye.
No glue is involved in the application of the shisha mirrors; a network or grid of holding stitches is the foundation on that your shisha stitches (a sort of herringbone stitch) are worked. Every one of the work is done by hand. A number of stitches may then be used to enlarge the design across the mirror and beads and sequins can be incorporated.
Shisha mirror decoration offers great potential to hand-embroiderers to improvise with pattern. They combine well with the richness of colour and texture of silk fabrics and may also be used to embellish patterned fabrics. They may be used in a repeating design as these were originally or may be used alone to include accent to decoration. They lend themselves beautifully to decoration on accessories such as for example bags, purses and even fabric jewellery, such as for example brooches, hair accessories or cuffs. Accessories with hand-embroidered shisha mirrors are unique and individual as they are hand stitched and one-of-a-kind items. Anyone using or wearing these unique items will be able to reflect their own personal style having an item that’s had time, skill and flair taken in its design and making.
