If you are a saree connoisseur, you must already be familiar with the historic and legendary art of Jamdani weaving. It originated in Bengal, primarily in Dhaka, which is now the capital of Bangladesh. The art also spread throughout Bengal after partition, with many weavers and artisan communities migrating to the State, especially in Shantipur and other parts of Nadia. Now comes the question of buying a pure cotton Jamdani saree. How do you buy and identify the most authentic such saree? That’s what we aim to uncover in this article.
Key Attributes of these Sarees:
When you venture to buy an original Jamdani, it comes with multiple attributes worth noting.These sarees are representative of the finest craftsmanship and tell stories of a rich handloom legacy of the country. They come with exquisitely hand-woven fabric, with intricate patterns of weaving. The technique is extremely fine, where the weft threads help create classic motifs. The saree texture will have a unique feel to it, which patterns made by machines cannot replicate. The sarees use the best cotton material and should have a soft drape as well.
The main attribute is the motif which draws inspiration from shapes or Nature. Look out for flowers, leaves, and other geometric patterns that are neatly woven into the fabric, making it truly unique to touch and feel. Weaving is a time-consuming process with even one saree taking up to several months to finish as well. How do you identify the best cotton Jamdani saree? Here are some ways detailed below for your understanding.
How You Can Identify Authentic and Pure Cotton Jamdani Sarees:
When you buy handloom Jamdani saree, you should look for unique markers to accurately identify the same. These include:
1. Check the weave carefully- Authentic Jamdani sarees are hand-woven intricately and it may lead to wearing irregularities. Take your time and watch out for any minute inconsistencies in the pattern and texture, thereby signaling fine handwork. Machine-made versions will have a weave that is more consistent or uniform, which you can quickly identify. The continuous weft thread on the back pattern of the saree will indicate higher authenticity, while cut weft threads indicate imitations made by machines.
2. Check the fabric- Genuine Jamdani sarees will use the best muslin cotton or even a mix of cotton and silk. It will be a lightweight fabric which is sheer in texture and immensely soft. Hold up the saree and check it in the light, noting how it appears translucent in appearance. If the fabric is rough or stiff, it may be a synthetic imitation.
3. Examine the motifs- Genuine Jamdani sarees will have intricate and delicate motifs. The designs should be clear and sharp. Imitations will have blurry motifs that are not as detailed, since they are machine-woven.
4.Look at the reverse side- Turn the saree over and examine the reverse side. The loose threads will be visible clearly, thereby using supplementary weft techniques. The threads should not be cut or secured, which is a common aspect for sarees that are machine-made.
5. Watch out for the GI tags- Original Jamdani sarees will have GI (geographical indication) tags, certifying their origin and authenticity. This will help protect the artistry and heritage of these sarees, while being a guarantee of their authenticity.
Where to Buy the Best Cotton Jamdani Sarees Online?
You can purchase pure cotton Jamdani sarees online from reputed platforms or brands, taking care to view the GI tag, authenticity, and overall quality. Make sure you’re not taken for a ride by those promising the finest Jamdani sarees and then delivering machine-made imitations. Also, the prices should be fair and not as exorbitant as sometimes seen on portals offering Jamdani sarees. One of the best options you can consider is Tamal Boutique, which is based in Kolkata. The brand is known to work directly with weavers and artisan communities in Bengal, which explains its fair prices, and offers timely updates from the start to the finish.
At the same time, you will find a large collection of authentic and certified handlooms which will meet diverse needs to perfection. Customer support is prompt and efficient, while you will never have to worry about the quality. This is one good place to buy pure cotton Jamdani sarees online without having to worry about anything else. After all, these are not just sarees; they are custodians of our rich handloom legacy and techniques that have been passed from one generation to another.