Shopping In India : Paithani Silk, Chanderi Sari, Kosa Silk, Baluchari Sari, Tussar Silk, Sambalpuri, Maheshwari Sari of India - 6

Guys, here I am exploring the patterns and the places which are well known for silks.

Paithani silk saris from Maharashtra come in contrasting color combinations. Paithanis are generally decorated with a gold dot or coin motif.

Ganeshpur, a village in Bhandara district in Maharastra is famous for the Kosa silk (cocoon). In this village silk has been produced and exported ever since 1871.

The state of Madhya Pradesh is famous for Chanderi, Maheshwari and Tussar silk saris.

Chanderi sari is known for its soft colors and the harmonious balance between the border and the body of the sari. These saris are also known for their contrasting colors ant he depiction of animal and human figures on them.

Maheshwari sari has elaborate patterns and border, with exotic motifs done in zari and pleasant colors, both inspired by nature.

Tussar silk or Kosa silk is valued for its purity and texture as it is available naturally in shades of gold-pale, dark, honey, tawny, beige and cream. Tussar is a special variety of silk, as the cocoons are raised on Arjun and Sal trees. Tussar silk is also produced in Bihar.

Bomki Sambalpuri saris from Orissa are in single and double ikat. In contrast to the ikats of Gujarat, thee saris are sober in color and decorated with curved forms.

Murshidabad, West Bengal is home of the famous Baluchari sari. The Baluchar technique of weaving uses in twisted silk thread for weaving brocades. The 'pallu' (sari part that goes across the shoulder) of this sari has patterns that resemble miniature paintings.

Heavy silk saris from Tanjore, Kumbakonam and Kanchipuram in Tamil nadu are known for their decorative borders and contrasting colors from Kolegal and Molkalmoru in karnataka have a simple that weave with parrot motif on the borders, the ikat always being white. Sangareddy and Dharamaswaram in Andhra Pradesh too, specialize in ikat silk weave.

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Indian Art & Craft : Sarees and Fabrics from various states - 18

The Coromandel Coast of India was historically the source of some of the most beautifully coloured and delicately worked cooton fabrics. Here mordants, resists and brushes or pens were traditionally applied and used to produce exquisite figurative and floral designs. This Kalamkari cloth of south-east India had been known as "pintado" by the Portuguese and "Chintz" by the English. Around the mid nineteenth century, printing blocks were introduced and from then on very little freehand kalam (pen) drawing was done. Baluchari materials essentially have a silk base with silk brocaded designs. In spite of a rich composition, The Baluchari sarees have large floral motifs interspersed with flowering shrubs. Traditionally, the Muslim community was known to produce Baluchars with figured patterns depicting court scenes, rider on a horse, women smoking hookahs and much more. These textiles were developed mainly in Murshidabad in West Bengal. Brocades or the kinkhabs have a long history dating back to several centruies. Varanasi or Banaras is the undisputed centre of India's zari-figured silk weaving (brocade) industry. Other well-known brocades are Baftas, Potthans, Kimkhabs, Amrus and Tanchois. Kanchipuram - the silk brocade sarees of south India are considered very auspicious and are worn on ceremonial occasions. Today, brocades have a very strong mass market. Due to the glitter and beauty of this textile, its appeal is increasing not only in the field of garments but also in accessories like purses, belts, caps, shoes and cushions. Guys, take a look at below slide show for various Indian Sarees.

Ikat is a type of weaving where the warp, weft or both are tie-dyed before weaving to create designs on the finished fabric. Ikat fabrics of Gujarat, whcih involve a seqeuntial binding of sections of yarns, are well known. Patola, which is also called double ikat, comes from Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Gujarat. Ikat textiles of India have the distinction of being among the most highly priced textiles in the world. Worn during marriages, they are also used as coverings for royal elephants and horses or as hangings in temples and for the adornment of deities. The designs that predominate in Patola textiles are gemoetric, floral and figurative motifs,. Bright colours like green , yellow, red and black are commonly used. A saree length takes two men seven months to complete.

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