Mirror-work or shisha work is an embroidery technique that involves attaching glass or small pieces or mirrors or reflective material to cloth. It’s a very familiar part of Indian textile design today, most commonly found in the Northwestern states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Typically, you’ll find shisha work on traditional kurtas or tunic yokes, and on decorative wall hangings and bedspreads. Beyond solely decorative use, many believe that mirror-work is an auspicious tool for warding off the evil eye, reflecting bad luck and evil spirits away from the wearer.
My new take on this technique has been to do it on a wearable knit fabric with some stretch, and add hanging bugle beads for a 3D fringe effect.
