Banarasi sarees are an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage, serving as valuable heirloom pieces which will be passed down through generations.
Banarasi silk hand weaving has come under pressure in recent years from new technologies and machinery, particularly machines made by Chinese firms. A 2009 ruling stipulated that any garment not produced within six specific districts could no longer be considered “traditional Banararasi.”
Artisans
Banarasi saree are expertly handwoven by highly-skilled artisans renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, but unfortunately the handloom industry faces several obstacles including unfair trade practices and competition from power looms – which has caused sales declines as well as the exploitation of artisans.
Traditionnally, sarees are made with Katan silk which is both pure and lustrous. These garments are distinguished by their impeccable weaving techniques and elaborate Zari work; featuring jasmine flowers, marigolds, mango leaves and betel nut leaves as popular designs along with other options like chevron patterns or diagonal lines.
Craftspeople start their designs on graph paper before imprinting it as a punch-card pattern for use on a power loom. A single sari may take anywhere from 15 days to six months to be woven, depending on its complexity, before being sewn by hand using various stitches on both warp and weft with various types of motifs known as Butis (117 of them!).
Techniques
Banaras is India’s largest handloom cluster with more than forty thousand active weavers and an abundance of dealers, dyers and support providers.
Beginning the weaving of a saree involves first creating designs on graph paper or jacquard card, followed by dyeing yarn with desired colors before setting up spools and beams for weaving. Jacquard looms were introduced by Mughals into Banaras centuries ago; today they remain in use to this day – their distinctive foliate motifs speaking volumes about its past glory!
Kadiyal or Korvai weaving technique is an ancient three-shuttle weaving method used to produce contrast borders around the body of a saree. It is one of the most complex and laborious weaving processes; using this method, an array of sizes and colours of motifs can be created on one saree using Kadhua technique; however unlike Phekwa or Cutwork sarees which cut away motifs once completed this can take much more time to finish than expected.
Colours
Banarasi sarees feature vibrant and eye-catching colours. Intricate designs include the most beloved ones like kaairi (raw mango shape) and paisley motifs – often combined with other traditional zari work for an eye-catching finish.
These sarees feature gold or silver threads woven throughout, giving them a royal sheen and making them popular among brides and women who wish to show their elegance. They make an excellent addition to wedding attire.
Banaras silk sarees require three or four people working together in order to produce. Weaving requires either a heddle loom or jacquard loom. At Sacred Weaves, their products feature HSN codes to assure customers that they are purchasing authentic Banarasi sarees without imitations – building trust between buyers and sellers alike. Furthermore, our website features an FAQs section as well as customer reviews which help buyers make more informed purchases.
Designs
Banarasi sarees exude an allure only the most passionate fans can understand. Crafted with such fine fabric that it brings out all colors beautifully, making this traditional ethnic wear for women one of the finest traditional pieces available today.
These sarees feature intricate floral and foliate designs influenced by Mughal designs, with Kalga and Bel motifs featuring prominently. Additionally, there is gold work, compact weaving techniques, small detailed figures and metal visual effects present to add extra visual dimension.
Sequins add shimmer and shine to this weaved fabric, constructed of either metal or plastic disks, adding shimmer. Available in many different colors and woven using zari thread, sequins add shimmer and can create the illusion of three-dimensionality in any saree design.
A cobalt blue banarasi saree with large golden motifs looks simply breathtaking when worn with a heavy antique choker and round bindi for an authentic princess-worthy look. Wear this magnificent piece and feel like royalty!
