Chanderi Silk Saree is the best handloom saree in India. The name Chanderi is given to this fabric after the village Chanderi in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The embroideries on these sarees are nature inspired. Silver sarees are famous for their delicate texture, luster and intricate weaving. Since the silver fabric is very light, it can be used in hot weather as well.
Sarees made from pure silver silk are known for their exquisite luster and gorgeous beauty, while sarees made from silver cotton are popular for being light in weight, soft and bouncy. Fine silver cottons and silks are always handcrafted using traditional warps and wefts, resulting in beautiful silver fabric.
There are three different types of silver sarees produced in India
1. Chanderi Silk Saree | Chanderi Silk Saree
Chanderi silk saree is the main type, this saree is hand woven in artisanal traditional method by combining silk with zari border.
2. Chanderi Cotton Saree | Chanderi Cotton Saree
Chanderi Cotton Sarees are made by artisans in the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh using cotton and zari in the traditional way.
3. Chanderi Cotton Silk Saree | Chanderi Cotton Silk saree
Chanderi cotton silk sarees are created by skilled artisans in Chanderi using a blend of cotton and silk. She is famous for her brilliance and high quality.
History of Chanderi Silk Saree
- According to the traditional story, Lord Krishna’s cousin Shisupala started this silver cloth in the Vedic period.
- This cloth was greatly appreciated during the Mughal period. This silver cloth was specially preferred by the ladies of the royal families.
- In 1350 Koshti weavers from Jhansi migrated to Chanderi and settled there. There he started begging.
- The evolution of this fabric began during the 1890s. Craftsmen in Chanderi started using mill-made yarn instead of handspun yarn.
- During the 1930s, artisans began using Japanese silk to replace the wrap in cotton sarees, thus giving rise to Chanderi silk.
- There was a time when people even forgot about this precious cloth. But some famous brands have worked very hard on this fabric and created different designs and brought this fabric back to life.
Special Features of Chanderi Silk Saree
- Fine and intricate work done with only pure silver and gold threads is the hallmark of the silver saree. Especially the work is done on the border of the saree and on the pallu.
- The special feature of this cloth is that it is a transparent fabric. Which is very light. Silver sarees look grand and sophisticated due to the gold and silver zari in the weave.
- It has a high quality warp fiber, so the zari weave on it is very beautiful. Flowers, traditional coins, peacocks and geometric designs are made in traditional silver work on this saree.
- Many materials are used to make Chanderi sarees including silk, cotton and cotton silk. As these sarees are very light to wear, they are perfect for the hot weather in India.
- Depending on the weave of the saree we can wear this saree regularly or on special occasions. Cotton silver sarees are perfect for everyday or professional wear. For pujas, weddings and other important functions, you can opt for silk or cotton silk sarees to look elegant.
- Chanderi Pattu sarees are currently the most popular and sought after sarees in the market. Gold thread crafted and delicate woven designs enhance the silvery silk fabric. These sarees are made by traditional artisans of Madhya Pradesh as well as high fashion designers.
- During the changing times, due to the increasing revolution in the textile industry, different products were also made from it. These include tops, dresses, dupattas, Indo westerns, shirts, kurtis etc.. Also this fabric was used for home decoration for example- curtains, pillow covers..
How to recognize pure silver saree?
The following tips will help you identify an authentic silver saree:
- All genuine silver sarees have a handloom stamp or handloom tag verifying the authenticity of the saree. Also, look for the GI (Geographic Indication) tag, which gives complete information about where the saree is manufactured.
- Pure silver sarees have traditional paisley, floral and peacock embroidery and the embroidery is hand woven.
- The surface of handloom silver saree is not uniform. The silver weft thread is cotton, which is not normally used in any other fabric, while the warp thread is degummed mulberry silk.
- Butti and various embroideries on these sarees are done by hand. This embroidery is done in gold, copper and silver zari.
How to take care of silver silk saree?
- Due to the work on these sarees, they should be dry-cleaned if possible. This fabric should preferably be dried in the shade and not exposed to direct sunlight.
- These sarees should be lightly ironed.
- Avoid using direct perfume or deodorant on these sarees, it may affect the shine of the saree.
- Change the fold of these sarees from time to time.
How much does a silver silk saree cost?
The price of an authentic silver silk saree can vary depending on several factors such as the quality of the silk, the embroidery and the brand or the work done by the weaver. Generally, an authentic silver silk saree can cost anywhere from Rs.6000 to Rs.1 lakh in India.
Silver silk saree with jari border
Although the border is a weave in sarees created using gold or silver metallic threads. This adds to the beauty of the saree, these sarees are in high demand on important occasions like weddings and festivals.
Can we wash silver silk? | Can we wash Chanderi silk?
Silver silk saree is woven with gold and silver zari threads. If this saree is washed at home, the fabric of the saree may deteriorate and the luster of the saree may also decrease. So preferably dry clean the silver silk saree.
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