What is Tilla embroidery from Kashmir?

Tilla embroidery (also called Tila Dozi) is a traditional Kashmiri embroidery technique that uses metallic gold and silver threads (tilla) to create intricate patterns on velvet, silk, and woollen base fabrics. It is considered one of the most skilled and premium forms of Kashmiri textile craft.

Key characteristics:

• Done on a frame (ring frame) — fabric is tightly stretched for precise work
• Gold and silver metallic threads create raised, lustrous patterns
• Motifs: paisley (kairi), chinar leaf, lotus, and geometric patterns
• Base fabrics: velvet (most common for shawls and sherwanis), silk, and wool

Traditional garments: Kashmiri shawls, pheran (Kashmiri robe), bridal sherwanis, and special occasion dupattas.

Price: Tilla embroidered shawl ₹3,000–₹25,000+. Tilla work on bridal sherwani ₹8,000–₹40,000+ for embroidery alone.