Jamdani sarees have an original elegance of their own and are unmatched in terms of their quality and fabric. The cultural heritage of these sarees is absolutely unmatched, considering their rich artistry and status as family heirlooms passed down through multiple generations. Originating from Bengal, they have been a part of the country’s aristocratic and royal circles for several centuries. They have also been popular not just in India, but also Bangladesh, while dating back to the 14th century.
Every saree tells a fascinating story of craftsmanship through its patterns, motifs, and inspirations drawn from local traditions, folklore, and nature. Owning an original handloom Jamdani saree is nothing short of acquiring a piece of rich culture and history. However, how do you identify an original Jamdani saree? That is what we aim to uncover below.
Key Attributes of Jamdani Sarees
These sarees have several special attributes that deserve mention. You should understand these carefully before buying one.
- Exquisitely hand-woven fabric- When you buy Jamdani silk, muslin, or linen sarees, the first thing you will notice are the intricate weaving patterns. The technique itself is extremely fine, where weft threads are used to make classic motifs. The texture of the saree will have a unique feel when you touch it, which cannot be replicated by machine-made patterns.
- Muslin Base- These sarees are crafted from the best muslin fabric. They have an airy and light texture, where the muslin used for them is of the best quality. The comfortable and soft drape is something worth noticing closely.
- Intricate Design Motifs- The key attribute of an original Jamdani saree is an intricate design motif. This draws inspiration from Nature and some of the common motifs used include leaves, flowers, geometric patterns, etc. They are impeccably woven into the fabric, leading to the creation of a unique texture that you will notice for its unmatched feeling to the touch.
- Unmatched Craftsmanship- Weaving these sarees is a time-consuming and labor-intensive affair. It may take you several months to finish, while you will appreciate the fine detail and quality of the same instantly when you view it.
Now that you understand these attributes better, let us look at some ways through which you can identify an authentic Jamdani saree.
Ways to Identify Original Jamdani Sarees- Key Pointers
An original Jamdani saree can be identified in five unique ways. These include the following:
- Examine the Weave- Authentic Jamdani sarees are impeccably hand-woven and this may lead to irregularities in the weaving pattern. Take some time and examine any minute inconsistencies in the texture and pattern, indicating fine handwork. Machine-made copies will have a more consistent or uniform weave, which you should be able to identify swiftly. A continuous weft thread on the saree’s back pattern may indicate a more authentic weave and cut weft threads may indicate machine-made imitations.
- Inspect the Fabric- Genuine Jamdani sarees are usually crafted with the finest muslin cotton or even a mix of silk and cotton. The fabric should be lightweight, soft, and a little sheer in nature. You can hold up the saree to the light and it will look more translucent in its appearance. If you feel that the fabric is stiff or rough, it may be a synthetic copy.
- Look at the Motifs- Genuine Jamdani sarees will have delicate and intricate design motifs. The designs should be sharp and clear, while counterfeit sarees will have blurred motifs which are not as detailed on account of machine weaving.
- Check the Reverse Side- Turn your saree over and check the reverse side carefully. In authentic Jamdani sarees, the loose threads will be visible, which used supplementary weft techniques. The threads should not be secured or cut, which is a common thing for machine-made sarees.
- Look for the GI Tags- An original Jamdani saree will come with a GI (geographical indication) tag that certifies the authenticity and origin of the same. This will help safeguard the heritage and rich artistry of these sarees and works as a guarantee of their genuineness.
You should also check the pricing carefully. If the muslin or silk linen Jamdani saree price sounds too good to be true, be wary of buying the saree in question. It is an expensive Indian textile since there is intense craftsmanship and labor involved.
Buy Original Jamdani Sarees Online
Find and purchase the best Jamdani sarees online without any hassles. Get the best original Jamdani saree price along with unmatched quality in terms of the fabric and texture. Watch out for the imperfections and distinctive patterns along with the signature motifs.
Of course, make sure that you handle Jamdani sarees carefully, since they are delicate and may tear easily. Air your saree periodically while dry cleaning and storing them instead of folding them. Creases may also develop over time and you should wrap your saree with cotton cloth to safeguard them from insects, dust, and other problems. On that note, here’s to standing out in style with the finest Jamdani sarees.