The tissue silk saree has had a chequered journey over centuries. If you’re a saree lover, this is one saree that will delight you immensely with its rich heritage, often known as the woven wonder. It fuses luxury from the Mughal period with modern fashion patterns and styles.
It originates as intricate Zari brocade from the royal courts of the 16th century and are made by impeccably weaving threads of fine silk with silver or gold metallic Zari. This creates a fabric that is shimmering and lightweight. They are mainly crafted in Banaras and have successfully transitioned to the modern era, known for their amazing drape and lovely sheer texture. Let’s explore some more about their journey below.
The Incredible Journey of Tissue Silk Sarees Over the Years:
Tissue silk sarees have seen a wonderful journey of evolution over several centuries. The Mughal period is when these sarees originated, somewhere between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Mughal Emperors loved fine textiles and one of the most important contributions in this period was the Zari brocade that was woven with metallic threads. This fabric stood out with its shimmering texture and intricate design, fast becoming a favorite for the royals and aristocrats. With the passage of time, it was adapted into the tissue silk saree, which became a popular option for women throughout the country. They were made with metallic and silk threads, lending them an airy, soft, and gorgeous shimmer of their own. Intricate embroidery was also used for embellishments, along with beading.
This makes them ideal for formal occasions, weddings, and other occasions. Of course it goes without saying that this texture is achieved through weaving fine silk threads together to make a lightweight and sheer material. They also last for longer durations, with the finest quality of silk threads being used, while the weaving process is also conducted with exquisite detailing and care. In the state of Madhya Pradesh, they were hugely popular at one time, adding to the Chanderi style which is famous here. Chanderi tissue silk sarees often sported intricate details and embroidery along with beadwork. They used to come in diverse pastel hues for a special touch.
Then there was the era of the tissue Banarasi silk saree, which became a cult icon throughout the entire country. Of course, it goes without saying that this style has lent its own elegance and craftsmanship to what we know as the classic Banarasi silk saree. The weaving procedure is laborious and painstaking indeed, often requiring several weeks or days for special handlooms. They often involve detailed patterns and motifs, including peacock designs, florals, and paisleys, to name a few. The name of the technique, i.e. tissue, derives from the immensely delicate, airy, and sheer texture that is accomplished through smart weaving.
Why Tissue Silk Sarees are So Popular:
Tissue silk sarees are incredibly popular among Indian women, since it is dynamic enough to be worn at weddings, festive occasions, and other special events, while being lightweight enough to be carried off comfortably. Modern women are even wearing them for several special events, often matching them with minimal accessories and jewellery for a more sophisticated appearance. There is also a major transition underway towards more sustainable and environment-friendly practices in the production process of these sarees, along with the usage of natural dyes.
The shimmering and metallic finish are key plus points, along with the lightweight nature and the easy-to-carry nature. The luxurious and soft feel is a major factor that has contributed towards making the saree incredibly popular among connoisseurs. It is not just a piece of rich and traditional heritage, but also as woven art which fuses contemporary elegance with historical and regal luxury, above all else.
Where to Find the Best Tissue Silk Sarees:
You will discover the finest tissue silk sarees across several brands and online platforms. However, one boutique that you can rely on is Tamal Boutique. The Kolkata-based brand works directly with weavers and artisan communities to create amazingly and intricately woven handlooms. You can take your pick from a vast tissue silk collection, while getting timely updates about the production process. Each saree is one of a kind, while the prices are quite fair, considering that the brand directly collaborates with the weavers of Bengal.
This is a reliable platform to find unmatched quality and craftsmanship, along with premier authenticity above everything else. So, why are you still waiting? Visit Tamal Boutique and snap up one of these beauties today.