Mukaish
Tiny metal wire dots that glint like scattered starlight.
मुकैश
What it is
Mukaish, also called badla work, uses very fine flat metal wire. Short lengths are pulled through the cloth and twisted to form small raised dots, or lines of them, across the surface.
On sheer fabric the effect is like faint stars. It is among the quietest ways to add metal to a garment.
How it is made
- 1Prepare the wireA fine flat wire is cut or drawn into short lengths.
- 2Draw the patternDots and lines are marked on the cloth.
- 3Pull throughA needle takes the wire through the fabric from the front.
- 4TwistThe wire is twisted and trimmed to form a small, bright knot sitting on the surface.
- 5RepeatThousands of knots are placed, one at a time, to build the field.
The tradition
Mukaish is associated with Lucknow and its embroidery traditions, and has long been used on fine, sheer cloth for ceremonial wear.
How to recognise quality
- Dots are consistent in size and spacing.
- Wire ends are neatly trimmed with no sharp points.
- Metal sits firmly and does not spin freely.
- The cloth drapes without pulling.
Care
- Dry clean only.
- Avoid moisture, which can tarnish metal wire.
- Store in a breathable cotton bag away from humidity.