Stara
Stara
Stara, Sanskrit for layer. Each surface laid over the last, the way time slowly builds the earth.
On a natural linen ground, dozens of soft edged shapes fit together like the layered patches of a quilt. Each is filled with its own texture: raised gold and blush bead mounds, fields of knots, cross stitch and honeycomb, and strips of printed red cloth. Grey couched cord outlines the larger forms, and a fine gold thread wanders loosely over everything.
No two neighbouring shapes share a texture. Violet cross stitch sits against blush beadwork, a striped field of blue and pink against black knots, so the whole length reads as a patchwork of surfaces held together by line.
Plate VI of the Abstract Collection by Shantnu Sihag Dhul.
Size: 63 x 27 in (160 x 68.6 cm)
Medium: Hand embroidery in thread with glass seed and bugle beads and appliquéd printed cloth on a natural linen ground
Presentation: Natural wood box frame, float mounted, open face without glass
Made at: KURU studio, Gurugram, India
Complimentary shipping within India. For delivery outside India, message the studio on WhatsApp at +91 93072 00002 and we will arrange crated export shipping with a freight quote for your location.
The Story
Stara is Sanskrit for layer: each surface laid over the last, the way time slowly builds the earth. On a natural linen ground, dozens of soft edged shapes fit together like the layered patches of a quilt. Each is filled with its own texture: raised gold and blush bead mounds, fields of knots, cross stitch and honeycomb, and strips of printed red cloth. Grey couched cord outlines the larger forms, and a fine gold thread wanders loosely over everything.No two neighbouring shapes share a texture. Violet cross stitch sits against blush beadwork, a striped field of blue and pink against black knots, so the whole length reads as a patchwork of surfaces held together by line. Seed beads are built up row over row into small domed mounds, in blush and in gold bugle, until they sit proud of the linen like pebbles. Thousands of French knots fill whole fields in white, black and red, packed so tightly they read as a single nubbed surface, while honeycomb stitch, scattered turquoise beads and printed cloth bound in blanket stitch keep each shape distinct.
Stara is Plate VI of the Abstract Collection, created under the artistic direction of Shantnu Sihag Dhul, trained at Istituto Marangoni and Rubelli Venice. Each artwork is entirely hand embroidered, and the intricacy of materials and technique means no two pieces can ever be truly identical. Every artwork carries its own character, impossible to replicate exactly by hand, and is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
The Artwork
Each piece is entirely hand-embroidered by master artisans, using techniques passed through generations. Because every stitch is done by hand, small variations between pieces are part of its character — not a flaw, but a signature of authentic craftsmanship.
Care Instructions
Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or microfibre cloth — never a wet cloth or liquid cleaner — and keep the piece away from direct sunlight and high humidity to preserve embroidery colour and thread integrity. Handle it by its frame rather than the embroidered surface itself, and for any deep cleaning, consult a textile conservator rather than attempting to wash or iron it.
Shipping & Delivery
As each artwork is made to order, please allow for the hand-embroidery timeline shown above before dispatch. Once ready, pieces are carefully packed and shipped via courier, with tracking shared as soon as your piece is on its way.
Framing & Installation
Artworks arrive ready to hang, framed and secured. For larger pieces, we recommend professional installation, hung away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the embroidery over time.