What is mirror work (Shisha embroidery)? Where is it from?

Shisha embroidery (also called mirror work or Abhla bharat) is a traditional craft where small pieces of mirror or mica are stitched onto fabric using a special lattice stitch — so the mirror is held securely without glue. The stitching around the mirror creates an embroidered frame that is itself decorative.

Origin: Gujarat (especially Kutch and Saurashtra) and Rajasthan. Also found in some parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Gujarat Kutch mirror work is GI-tagged.

Traditional mirror sizes: From tiny 0.5 cm mirrors to large 3–5 cm mirrors depending on garment type.

Modern mirror work in wholesale: Machine-applied mirror work with adhesive is used in most budget wholesale garments — it is faster but mirrors can fall off with washing. Traditional hand-stitched shisha is reserved for premium and handcraft products.

Used in: Chaniya choli (Navratri especially), ghagra, dupatta, blouses, kurtis, and home decor items.