If you’re a lover of the finest handlooms and sarees, you must have heard of Batik pure silk sarees. These masterpieces are a study in sheer craftsmanship and rich history, while being must-haves for every wardrobe. They feature intricate and stunning wax-resist dyeing, while having ancient roots that cover both Indonesia and India. Let’s learn more about them below.
Rich History & Significance of Batik Pure Silk Sarees:
A pure Batik silk saree is often associated with Indonesia and Javanese wax writing, although batik techniques have been deployed for more than 2,000 years throughout Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In India, it is a refined and ancient form of art that was practiced traditionally by artisans, such as Gujarat’s Khatri community. It was earlier called mom ka dabu or wax printing. This saree was historically considered a more refined craft for noble women in the past, with several delicate flower and bird motifs being featured on the same. West Bengal, especially Murshidabad, is known for its fine and lightweight batik-painted pure silk sarees that fuse traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs.
Handwoven Batik sarees are made by painting or using blocks (batik caps) to apply molten wax on the silk, which is dyed thereafter. The wax safeguards the original color, while the process is then repeated for several colors. These sarees have attained immense popularity in recent times for their hand-crafted appeal and mainly use Murshidabad silk with non-repetitive and innovative patterns as well. The art is also linked to Rajasthan and Gujarat with their traditional and earthy patterns, while Bengal is all about fine, intricate, and artistic pure silk designs. Andhra Pradesh, on the other hand, integrates Kalamkari styles with Batik.
Crafting Batik Pure Silk Sarees- Key Inputs:
When it comes to expertly crafting a pure Batik silk saree, there are several aspects that you need to know about.
1. Batik is basically the process of doing up cloth by covering some parts with a wax coat, which prevents them from absorbing dye.
2. Molten wax is then applied to the silk, which then functions as a barrier, leading to the waxed areas to retain their original hue. The exposed area, on the other hand, takes on the new color in the dye bath.
3. The crackle effect is a signature and coveted feature, happening when the wax, post hardening, is cracked. This allows the dye to seep into these cracks, leading to more marbling and delicate color veins.
Here are the steps to create these sarees:
1. The silk is scoured and then washed to remove any impurities and enable better absorption of dyes.
2. Using a canting (pen-esque tool for wax with a small container) or a brush is what artists rely on for applying molten wax to the saree. This helps create designs which are often abstract and floral, or even geometric.
3. First dyeing then happens, when the fabric is dipped into a dye bath, with the waxed areas resisting the color.
4. Re-dyeing and re-waxing then happens where more wax is applied and dyed in a darker color. This is repeated several times with a shift to darker from lighter hues.
5. De-waxing is the next step, where after the final color, the wax is removed through boiling the saree in water or sometimes with the help of soda ash.
6. The saree is then washed, dried, and then finished, in order to bring out the silk’s natural sheen.
Core Components:
1. Pure silk (mostly Bishnupuri or Mulberry silk or other varieties) which ensures better absorption and has high tensile strength to take boiling and hot wax. Silk also has a luxurious hue and texture.
2. A mix of 70% paraffin wax and 30% beeswax is usually a choice for artisans in this case.
3. The designs often have traditional motifs and artistic yet minimalistic designs.
Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Wardrobe:
Now comes the question- why is a handwoven Batik saree a must-have for your wardrobe? This has a lot to do with the painstaking and laborious process of making each saree, the slow fashion value, and of course, the sheer artistry and craftsmanship that goes into it. Since wax is applied by hand, no two sarees are exactly the same; each one is a signature offering, while being handmade and authentic with a skillfully applied wax pattern. This is a masterpiece that bridges gaps between Indian artistic temperaments and Indonesian techniques.
The traditional yet modern vibe is what makes them stand out. They are perceived as wearable art, often imperfectly handmade, which add to their appeal. This unique story and legendary craftsmanship is not replicable by fashion that is mass-produced. The layered colors and artistic magnificence of batik is a sheer treat, while the sarees flow nicely and are really comfortable to wear.
FAQs:
1. What is a Batik Pure Silk Saree?
Answer: It is a pure silk saree that showcases the ancient Batik technique of applying molten wax to the silk, which dyes thereafter. The technique goes back 2,000 years and originated in Indonesia, while having a strong Indian connection as well.
2. How is a Batik Pure Silk Saree made?
Answer: The making process involves applying molten wax to the saree, dyeing, re-dyeing, and re-waxing. The final step is de-waxing and the saree is then dried, washed, and finished.
3. What is the history and origin of Batik art?
Answer: Batik art originated in Indonesia as per several reports, with the technique having a history of 2,000 years. The art has also been perfected in West Bengal, particularly Murshidabad, along with several parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
4.Why is a Batik Pure Silk Saree considered a must-have?
Answer: It is a must-have for its rich artistry, unique handmade process that requires immense skill and craftsmanship, and the fact that no two sarees are exactly the same. The motifs and rich cultural legacy are other factors behind the appeal of these sarees.