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Banarasi Sari

19th century CE

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Mumbai, India

This brocade sari is a unique piece with a variety of animals and birds depicted very realistically on the magenta ground. The butas are beautifully composed of bird and animal motifs, surrounded by small flowers and creepers. These golden jari buttas arranged diagonally in the ground, are alternately outlined with blue and green silk threads. The wide range of animals depicted consists of the deer, elephant, lion, tiger, ram, horse, cow, camel, rabbit, parrot, pigeon, peacock, peahen, fish and crocodile. At some places composite figures like the winged lion are also included. The broad border consists of rows of parrots and elephants with floral creeper in between. The upper border which is not visible when draped, is woven in yellow, blue, green and white silk threads, while the bottom border is in golden and silver jari. The pallu has two big kuyri (mango) patterns along with the ground design.

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  • Title: Banarasi Sari
  • Date Created: 19th century CE
  • Location: India
  • Type: Sari
  • Medium: Silk brocade
  • Region: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • History of Style of Technique: Benares brocade saris are commonly worn as wedding saris throughout India. In the vast range of the Indian textiles, Benares brocade has its own status and the glorious fabric reflects both luxury and beauty.
  • Dimensions: 650 x 102 cms
  • Accession Number: 54.12
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)

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