Sari
Gold design
While purchased in Sri Lanka, this silk sari was most likely woven in India. It is quite possibly from Varanasi (or Banaras) the city which produces some of India's most celebrated and luxurious handwoven saris. Famously characterized by their opulent gold metallic threadwork (zari) and thick, architectural borders of rich Mughal motifs, Varanasi saris are legendary. Originating over 500 years ago in the ancient city of Varanasi, these saris blend Persian and Indian design philosophies, making them perfect for bridal trousseaus and heritage collections, and destined to become treasured family heirlooms.
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A classic celebration of Mughal design, this sari features a grand synthesis of design philosophies: Islamic Persian elegance, Central Asian structure, and indigenous Indian naturalism. The strict symmetry and rhythm of the floral designs in the "body" of this sari shows a reverence for the natural world; another hallmark of classic Mughal design where depiction of anatomically accurate flowering plants are isolated against a plain ground. The silk of this sari, shimmers from black to maroon, as it moves and shifts, due to its style of weaving. It is woven with black thread in the warp (lengthwise direction) and maroon thread in the weft (crosswise direction) making it a shot fabric (or changeable fabric).
Title: Sari
Date: 2017
Geography: Probably from Varanasi, India
Medium: Silk
Dimensions: H. 237 in. W. 44 in.
Provenance: Purchased in Sri Lanka
Inventory Number: SR.01
