The indigenous Toda women from the Nilgiris are renowned for their distinctive, GI-tagged, black and red embroidery. Inspired by nature the pukhoor ( motif ) embroidery follows the warp and weft thread count of the base cloth. The artisans count the thread with their fingers by merely stretching the material as they work.
The indigenous Toda women from the Nilgiris are renowned for their distinctive, GI-tagged, black and red embroidery. Inspired by nature the pukhoor (motif) embroidery follows the warp and weft thread count of the base cloth. The artisans count the thread with their fingers by merely stretching the material as they work.
Over the past year or so, a team of us including two senior Toda artisans embarked on an ongoing journey to re-imagine this art form with a contemporary aesthetic on fine, sustainable fabrics and newer formats. A pronounced departure from working on the regular coarse cotton, this marks a renewed approach to the art form. After much trial and error, in close coordination with wonderful local weavers, we chose two types of beautiful fabrics conducive to the thread counting technique. Our vision was (and is) to present the exquisite beauty of this rare art form to a contemporary, aesthetic driven, appreciative world.
Ellen Petry Leanse (verified owner) –
This beautiful shawl is more than a work of art. It’s a statement about what matters in the world, and in the choices we make. I love knowing that I’m wearing culture, pride, and hope as I wrap myself in this treasure. I also love the compliments I get – and the response when I share how, where, and why these lovely pieces are made. Thank you, Coonoor & Co!
ramya (store manager) –
Thank you so much for your warm words and love, Ellen. So happy to see you wear the shawl!