Banarasi sarees have an indelible place in Indian cultural history. Once reserved exclusively for royalty, these intricately handwoven masterpieces could take artisans as long as a year to create one piece.
Three artisans usually collaborate to weave a Banaras silk saree on the power-loom. Designs for the saree are previously drawn on graph paper for jacquard loom, and then punched out using hard cards.
Floral prints
Sacred Weaves offers a selection of exquisite Banarasi sarees, complete with floral prints. Perfect for wedding receptions and other grand events, these vibrant woven textiles feature wide zari borders and Buta designs.
Each sari takes at least two months to be handloom woven by artisans, yet their livelihoods are threatened by competition from power looms.
An artisan crafts design boards on graph paper and imprints them onto punch cards as punch cards for weaving. Once paddled into a loom, these punch cards produce patterns on fabric that create patterns on its fabric surface. Each saree may take six months or more depending on its complexity; when completed it comes with both an elegant woven pallu and attached brocade blouse.
Sequins
Sequins are flat disks used as embellishments on sarees to add a sparkly finish. Available in various colours and designs, sequins can be woven into various fabrics such as georgettes and silk for a unique finish that makes sequins ideal for both Indian wear and party outfits.
Banarasi saree are well known for their intricate brocade work and delicate fabric texture, using weaving techniques such as Mughal artistry, Chinese Tanchoi or Gujarati Patola combined with Indian traditional patterns to produce unique yet striking garments.
Sacred Weaves offers authentic Banarasi silk sarees online that are an absolute must-have in every fashion lover’s closet. Available in multiple styles to meet any event or special occasion, these versatile sarees can also be paired with matching blouses and accessories to achieve an extravagant look.
Abstract prints
Banaras is known as a city of temples and spirituality, while also serving as an epicenter of fine silk weaving. Banaras sarees are famous for their intricate designs, broad borders and vibrant base colors woven by traditional handlooms, taking days or even months to finish one saree.
Weavers utilize silver and gold zari threads across warp and weft to give the saree its distinctive sheen, while its designs draw their inspiration from various natural elements, such as jhallars, marigolds, mango leaves and betel nut leaves.
Before weaving starts, a template is prepared on graph paper for creating the design of a saree. After being punched into the loom, weaving can begin, taking as long as six months for intricate designs to finish being created.
Check prints
Banaras silk sarees are world renowned for their exquisite workmanship. Craftspeople in Banaras use Zari threads prickled between warps at regular intervals to produce intricate patterns; once composed solely of gold or silver thread, these days most Zaris include copper as well.
Authentic Banaras brocade sarees will feature Mughal-influenced designs/elements such as intricate floral and foliate motifs like the kalga and bel. In addition, compact weaving techniques, small details, jali-net-like patterns, meena work and metallic visual effects may also be present in their design.
Complementing your Banaras saree with the ideal blouse is key to creating the ideal ensemble. A narrow border blouse works best to balance out its heavier fabric; alternatively, choose a broad border one for more dramatic effect.
Paisley print
The intricate paisley pattern can often be found on Banarasi sarees. Its design can be found both on the pallu and border of these garments and even incorporate other motifs such as buti and jaal motifs that are usually woven using golden and silver threads.
Banarasi saree artisans require between fifteen days and six months to weave each saree due to using real gold and silver zari for weaving, which results in expensive-looking sarees.
Weavers often face various difficulties, including unreliable power supply and unfair trade practices from traders selling power loom sarees as handloom sarees to unknowing customers, leading them to discontinue handloom weaving altogether and hastening its decline.
