It’s not jewelry that we’re talking here, and yet, precious metal is an intrinsic element of this art. For the uninitiated, we’re referring to the fine embroidery embraced by the royalty of yore days–-Zari, one of the most beautiful artworks still practiced in India. Crafted by intertwining silk thread with gold or silver wires on the soft, silk fabric, craftsmen employ a wide variety of techniques and styles for creating Zari.
Originally, Zari embroidery was was carried out by weaving the brocades or kinkhabs with threads of pure gold and silver, which have now been replaced by copper and brass. But, the legacy of this fine embroidery still thrives in urban India, with families of weavers and artisans in Rajasthan, Varanasi and Madhya Pradesh bringing alive the regal art on fabric, though in different forms.
Manifested in a variety of different forms like Aari embroidery, which uses thread, Zardozi, which uses a spring-like thread, Dabka, or Goli Kinari which has yarns twisted into patterns of flowers, leaves, buds or birds and stitched down to give a variety of textures to the design, Zari embroidery in all its forms can add oodles of elegance and glamor to any saree, salwar kameez, or handbag. Even wedding day Lehengas for brides are enriched with various forms of Zari and Dabka in gold, silver and copper work, along with sequins, thread work and patches.
So, get access to this delicate traditional embroidery with our selection of Sarees and Salwar kameez enhanced with Zari and Zardozi.
