Porgai Artisans
Artist
Porgai Artisans
Location
Tamil Nadu, India
Creating
Lambadi Embroidery
Meet Proud Mary artists from the Porgai Artisans Association. Based in the Sittilingi Valley of Tamil Nadu, the artists of Porgai are reviving the nearly lost tradition of Lambadi embroidery. With a vast stitch vocabulary of over 40 different stitches, Lambadi is a deftly executed art, done without prior drawing, and following the artist’s instincts around color and composition. The artist’s vibrant geometric patterns are often embellished with mirrors and shells and each piece is a reflection of the artist’s relationship to the land and their culture.
The craft had all but disappeared until Neela and Gammi, two spirited women in their 70s, reignited it in 2006 by drawing on their childhood memories and founding the Porgai Artisans Association. “Porgai” means pride and dignity, and that spirit flows through every thread. Today, more than 60 Lambadi women have been trained, transforming this ancestral knowledge into a source of both creative expression and economic independence.
By preserving their cultural heritage and earning dignified livelihoods, these artists are keeping families rooted in the valley, redefining the value of rural craftsmanship. In each hand-stitched piece is a story of self-worth, community, and pride.
From the artist
In the Sittilingi Valley of Tamil Nadu, Lambadi embroidery is a language of over 40 distinct stitches — vibrant geometric patterns often embellished with mirrors and shells, composed without any prior drawing. The artists of Porgai Artisans Association are keeping this tradition alive, transforming ancestral knowledge into both creative expression and economic independence.
In addition to the upfront commission fee, Porgai receives 50% of the profit from the sale of this original work.
Hand embroidered cotton textile
Custom framed
19"w × 23"h outside frame dimensions
Ships within 3 business days
Authentication This is a 1 of 1 original co-created by Proud Mary and Porgai.
The artists of Porgai Artisans Association are reviving the nearly lost tradition of Lambadi embroidery from their home in the Sittilingi Valley, Tamil Nadu. Lambadi is worked without prior drawing — over 40 distinct stitches, guided by the artist's instinct around color and composition. The craft had all but disappeared until Neela and Gammi, two women in their 70s, reignited it by drawing on childhood memories.
This print is inspired by Porgai's original embroidered work, Gola.
Porgai receives 15% royalties on every print sold.
Archival inks on museum-quality rag paper
10 × 10 or 14 × 14
Edition of 50
Available framed and unframed
Framed prints include 1.5" mat
All prints come with white border
Printed and framed in the USA
Allow 5 business days to ship prints and up to 4 weeks to receive framed prints
Authentication This 2025 release includes 50 limited edition prints. Each print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
In the Sittilingi Valley of Tamil Nadu, Lambadi embroidery is a language of over 40 distinct stitches — vibrant geometric patterns often embellished with mirrors and shells, composed without any prior drawing. The artists of Porgai Artisans Association are keeping this tradition alive, transforming ancestral knowledge into both creative expression and economic independence.
This print is inspired by Porgai's original embroidered work, Kousalya.
Porgai receives 15% royalties on every print sold.
Archival inks on museum-quality rag paper
11 × 14, 16 × 20, or 24 × 30
Edition of 50
Available framed and unframed
11 × 14 and 16 × 20 framed prints include 1.5" mat
24 × 30 framed prints include 3" mat
All prints come with white border
Printed and framed in the USA
Allow 5 business days to ship prints and up to 4 weeks to receive framed prints
Authentication This 2025 release includes 50 limited edition prints. Each print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
