SimplyAbuDhabi XLIX

Indira Gandhi & Shamsuddin King George VCoronation India zardozi, he developed a method of giving embroidery genuine sculptural depth. Padding, couching, coiling, bullion work and complex relief layering allowed individual elements to project from the surface. Flowers acquired volume. Petals curled and overlapped. Gemstones became integral parts of the composition rather than simply surface decoration. Embroidery had effectively become sculpture. It was this pioneering approach that established Shamsuddin as an important figure in the revival and development of the craft, earning international recognition and, in 1989, the Padma Shri, one of India’s major civilian honours. His work also attracted the attention of political leaders, royalty and international dignitaries, with the accompanying documentation connecting his work with figures including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and several American presidents.