Aughi / Metallic Leather Embroidery of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Aughi embroidery is a practice of using gold or silver thread embroidery on leather. This style of embroidery first appeared during the Mughal period and has since declined. In the past, this form of embroidery was considered ornamental and was commonly used by royalty, especially on footwear.

The motifs that were worked onto the leather give Aughi embroidery its variety. Buds and leaves intertwined inside intricate wines is the most popular motif. Another is a small coin like motif. At times, a small bead or a small mirror can be found in the middle of these coins.

Aughi embroidery was first made popular in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It was a well-known centre for the manufacture of footwear, especially for Mughal royalty. This art form has all but disappeared today. Any products that are available are either collectibles or custom-made parts for a specific demographic.