Thursday, August 31, 2017

All about making and buying of Kanchipuram / Kanjeevaram silk sarees.

KANCHIPURAM SILK SAREE WEAVING – VIDEO:

This article; on the most popular and grand silk saree, the Kanchipuram saree which is also known as Kanjeevaram saree is based on my interaction with the weavers and salesmen you see in the attached photographs and video (and also information researched on the internet). Its popularity and grandeur are known to all Indian women here and abroad and some foreigners too love and own them. But few may know how it is made and how to pick the best, hence this article. I sincerely hope this blog post would be helpful to you in understanding the making of this saree and buying the best.

Every Kanchipuram silk saree is made from one of the world’s most superior silks. Handwoven from pure mulberry silk, a single saree takes almost a week to finish and some intricate designs even more. The saree you see being weaved in the attached photographs will take 20 days to weave on a daily working of eight hours and would cost Rs. 26,000. Coming back to the making of the saree, the silk yarn, after careful extraction, is dyed in richest of colours and weaved with the zari. First, the yarn is washed and then dipped in the required colour which is in a boiler and the worker goes on turning the yarn so that the colour is evenly mixed in the yarn. The most important aspect of this process is the mixing of colours which will give unique and durable colour to the fabric. Then it is again washed and dried. These yarns are then starched. Starching of the yarn is where the colour in the yarn will get more permanent nature and gives the yarn a polished look. The silk used in Kanchipuram saree is of the finest quality, one that is not cut or broken.

Pure gold and silver are used to create the zari in a Kanchipuram saree. The cost of a saree largely depends on the amount and the purity of the zari. The art of creating the perfect zari is relatively unknown – only a handful of families possess the knowledge of zari making. Though this makes a Kanchipuram all the more covetable, it also makes acquiring zaris quite challenging. Essentially, the ‘zari’ is a silk thread, twisted with a thin silver wire and then gilded with gold, is interleaved with the silk weave to create the designs or motifs on the saree. Most of the zaris used today come from Surat in Gujarat State. The genuineness of the zaris is checked in specialized Testing Centers in Kanchipuram itself. By custom, 1 Kg of zari would have approximately 500 grams of pure silver, around 5-5 1/2 grams. of gold. But nowadays the quantity of pure metal used is lesser – only 420 to 470 grams of silver and 3 to 3.5 grams of gold. This practice enhances the beauty and the value of the silk, as it contains gold and silver in it. And it also has a resale value for the same reason.

The width of any regular saree, even a silk saree, is a standard 45 inches; but the Kanchipuram saree is typically much broader, around 48 inches and the standard length is 6 yards and more with the blouse piece included. The speciality of Kanchipuram saree is that the silk yarn is “double warp”, that means; each “thread” is made up of three single threads twisted together. Also, because of the pure mulberry silk used for these threads, Kanchipuram sarees are renowned for their texture, lustre, durability and finish – thus making a Kanchipuram saree much stronger and more expensive than its counterparts from Dharmavaram and other places. A regular Kanchipuram saree weighs between 500 grams and 1 kg, because of the intricate weave using “double warp” thread, the broader width, and the pure, gold-dipped zari. All these factors have together given Kanchipuram sarees an enviable reputation for weight, size and durability.

Sky-high wages due to lack of skilled artisans/weavers and the skyrocketing cost of silver and gold has already pushed the price range to 6,000 – 60,000, and it is rising higher by the day. But no Indian wedding is complete without it – especially a south Indian one. It is also a hot favourite for women during festival seasons – it is customary to wear them during poojas and while visiting temples. These sarees are now shipped abroad in huge lots to meet the demands of the ever-growing Indian and Indian product-loving population overseas. The bottom line is, whether in India or abroad – the soaring prices of the Kanchipuram sarees are met with an equal amount of purchasing power!

The Kanchipuram weavers are in this profession by tradition. The very first weavers called by the Chola king, Raja Raja Chola I (985–1014 CE), to weave these sarees, were chosen for their sheer talent on a loom. And for centuries now, this skill has been handed down from one generation to the next, with great care and diligence. There are no explanations, theories, or training for weaving. It is an art that was inherited, taught by the elders, and honed only by practice, creativity and vision. Kanchipuram sarees are weaved using the Korvai technique. A Korvai saree’s border and pallu are of the same colour, and are in bright contrast to the “body”. Weavers use the ancient craft of three-shuttle weaving and interlocking weft to achieve this effect. The saree is ornamented with pure gold zari. The motifs are inspired by nature and temple sculptures — religion, architecture. Weaving a Kanchipuram is tedious but the Korvai technique makes it one of a kind and stamps it with splendour and durability.

Kanchipuram sarees are registered and patented. What is made in Kanchi district is still a Kanchipuram or Kanjeevarm saree, if it exhibits features (weight, amount of metal, traditional designs) defined by the Geographical Indication Act. The handloom label indicates that the product benefits a weaver, as these days power loom weaving is taking over the traditional hand weaving and what once was art is getting more and more commercialized and commoditized. As per Geographical Indication (GI) label, a Kanchipuram saree should have 57% silver and 0.6% gold in the Zari. The Tamil Nadu State government has relaxed this ruling to 40% silver and 0.5% gold. GI label adds to the Kanchipuram’s authenticity and helps maintain its standard, especially when sold in global markets.

The times have changed, and the Kanchipuram sarees have also transformed. Designs are now available, with embroidery or even crystal work done on the traditional silk saree, in every shade and combination imaginable.

Having read all this, next time or the first time you intend to buy a Kanchipuram silk saree make sure you pick the very best by following these points:

- Insist on the Kanchipuram/Kanjeevaram label

- Check the weight and the width of the saree

- Ask for a genuine hand-woven six yards saree

- Look for the GI label

And if you still have doubts you could take a silk thread out of the saree and burn it. If it turns to ashes it is pure silk and if it melts it is fake.

Keep this checklist in mind when you go Kanchipuram saree shopping, and you definitely won’t go wrong!














41 comments:

  1. Kanchipuram is a traditional Indian silk saree. It's really awesome and famous among the women. Very good post and graphics also very good.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice Article. Thanks for Sharing Your great content with.. Very attractive. Keep up the Work.. You can also Visit us here Kanchipuram silk sarees.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This post contains very useful information about kanjivaram sarees, as you have mentioned how they get manufacture.The one thing which i like about kanjivaram sarees , is the natural look or touch of these sarees.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice Article and Well written by you. And the article is too good and nice to read ald also everyone can easily understand. Thanks for Sharing!!!!!!
    with Regards,
    Kanjivaram Silk Sarees

    ReplyDelete
  6. very very nice artical thnaks for sharing


    https://zinnga.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Really very nice and informative details about kanjivaram saree. I really like your blog. shop sarees online in india

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fabulous Collection of I extremely love these elegant collections. Every girl wants to be put these enchanting dresses in her wardrobe. Thanks For Sharing.Buy Silk Sarees Online

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sarees are made by put efforts and valuable contribution from workers!
    Latest Kanchipuram Silk Sarees Online

    ReplyDelete
  10. The blog is good and i got a clear idea how kanchipuram silk sarees are prepared and also about their parts you mentioned.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, really fantastic blog post on kanchipuram silk sarees making and buying. Really suggestible for most of the people. Thanks for sharing the reliable information.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Its an interesting blog of kanchipuram silk saree like Party wear sarees ,designer sarees,printed colorful saree.Please share me new designs.Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Really trendy and royal collection of Kanchipuram Silk Sarees. I have seen the same type of beautiful sarees Many more Collection is available at our site. For More... Bridal Saree Collection
    Buy bridal sarees online

    ReplyDelete
  14. superlative post you share the best info I really like it. silk scarves online

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looking for the beautiful Designer Sarees In Indore ? get them from Sairandhri one of the best Indore Saree Shops which have huge collection of ethnic wears and party carry potli bags and other home decor products such as cushions, cushion covers etc.

    ReplyDelete
  16. best silk sarees nice to create this blog
    best silk sarees

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very nice article, thanks for more information. Bridal designer sarees in Chennai - Chennai bridal dress vendors have come together for you with trendy, classic and stylish wedding outfits. They offer quirky, elegant and versatile designs with customization.
    grand wedding sarees

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great weaving work this is our traditional weaving style. People from south India are mostly engaged is this activity for making Indian Designer Silk Sarees. Nowadays women are not aware about such weaving style, they will purchase sarees as they look beautiful but the reason behind beautifying this silk sarees has a wide explanation. Thank you for sharing blog with beautiful information.

    ReplyDelete
  19. thank you for sharing these beautiful images Definitely Saree is Indian most worn and lovable outfit by women. Women just love to drape this kind of traditional sarees for each special occasion or eventsPochampally Silk sarees

    ReplyDelete
  20. Nice information. Thanks for sharing content and such nice information for me. I hope you will share some more images and sarees information.

    Kanjivaram Sarees

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for explaining about the history and the method of preparing Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

    ReplyDelete
  22. This blog gives more information about wedding silk sarees. Once again thanks lot for posting this.

    kanchipuram silk sarees online

    ReplyDelete
  23. Very beautiful article about kanchipuram saree and it can be use for bridal saree, wedding saree, party wear saree, designer saree

    ReplyDelete
  24. The blog is well written as it brings the detail study of the kanjivaram silk sarees. For the ongoing pattu saree new model have a look at the best https://fasnic.com/collections/pattu-sarees

    ReplyDelete
  25. wowww...best collections of sarees you have..these are best attires to wear for Indian weddings

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice article, which you have shared here about the saree. Your article is very interesting and useful for those who are interested to buy silks sarees onlineThanks for sharing this article here.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am grateful to this blog site providing special as well as useful understanding concerning this subject. Silk Sarees Online

    ReplyDelete
  28. You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!! Thanks for sharing your views. hope more people will read this article!!! kanjivaram silk sarees

    ReplyDelete
  29. Very detailed information on kancheepuram sarees provided in this post. most of the sarees you have posted are also so beautiful. i will follow your tips and it is really useful for the consumers

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for sharing the amazing view about kanjivarams, yes ofcourse they are painstaking but an elegant piece of art. Found Similar ones at pashudh.com as well

    ReplyDelete
  31. Amazing collection of Sarees Online. Content is very descriptive. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  32. Nice Post! Every sarees are a trend of the traditional Indian sarees and are prominent in our South of India. Unique collections and the material of the saree matter a lot. The design and the color are of variety. Thank you for sharing
    Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
    Kanchivaram Silk Sarees Online
    Kanjivaram Sarees For Wedding

    ReplyDelete

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple Stamps Table Top/Wall Hanging Souvenir from INDIA POST!

This is a unique addition to our family’s Stamp Collection (starting from the 1930s!), a FRAMED Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple Stamps  Table Top...