Soothing tones of Grey Silver of the Moon, glow in this Resham Chikankari saree on Handloom Tussar Silk, touched with delicate stars of Mukaish all through.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):-
Resham Chikankari (Hand Embroidery Practised Since Ancient Age)
Mukaish Embroidery (Ancient Beaten Metal Wire Embroidery)
Hand Picked Ancient Archived Motifs
Conceptual and Exclusive Chikankari Artwork
Handspun Handloom Tussar Silk
Museum quality Chikankari sarees that can be handed down generation to generation as a treasure.
KHAYAAL (Mood-board):
The Khayal or Aatmamanthan behind keeping this collection under the name Dhanlakshmi was very clear. We wanted to make a repository of Heirloom Sarees, where we can create colours and palettes that signify the opulence of Sri Lakshmi. After successfully venturing into Gold, Silver hues, and Pearl, Firoza, Precious stones like Tourmaline, Agate hues, we wanted to include Gemstone shades.
Our lands are blessed with a variety of natural minerals and gemstones that have immense energy stored within them. Formed under the envelope of Bhoodevi's (Earth) womb, they radiate and reflect back her energy and lend them to the wearer. Our Chanderi sarees, adorned with heirloom quality Chikankari, are named after these soft and deeply spiritual stones.
Chandramani or Moonstone is a beautiful grey silver hued sometimes clear, sometimes cloudy to opaque looking gemstone. This beautiful Grey rich Chikankari Tussar Silk saree with antique quality embroidery in white Resham, is the perfect connect to that emotion with us, that resonates with carrying forward a revered Textile Tradition.
POSHAAK (About the garment):Chandramani, as the name suggests is a soothing Grey Chikankari Tussar Silk saree, that glows radiant like the soft & soothing glow of the Moon.
We decided to use White Resham embroidery on this saree, to symbolise Bela and Motiya blossoms under the soft Moon Glow in the festive months.
The signature motif used here is a lovely Floral creeper that has stunning Zari Taar Jaali stitch. Rest of the motif is done using Shadow, Ghaspatti, Chanapatti, Keel, Phanda etc. The saree has a detailed border running all through the saree, and the signature motif rests on the palla, as well as one of them also rests on the shoulder, like a brooch.
The saree is filled with little Bela blossoms in white. Stars of Mukaish add to the deeply beautiful charm of this saree. It is an unconventional colour for festive and wedding season, and yet one that will stand out gracefully, with a stately charm.
Saree is further finished with Kingri gota lace in silver, and we will also provide a 1 metre approx. running blouse piece.
Golden Trellis is our heirloom collection of Mukaish work that was historically done once upon a time in Awadh region, but is not done any more. Golden Trellis is a result of, one of the many research projects we are working upon simultaneously. We know some might not see light of the day (although we firmly believe that everything can be revived if we just have the right patience and the will to keep going), some will prove to be false tales - a mirage of a narrative built for dramatic value and nothing more...but some, like Golden Trellis will be a reality that can be translated to fabric yet again, even if in a small way, even if a shadow of its one time glory...at least there will be a start.
Golden Trellis is part of the Art & Antiquities Project undertaken by Meiraas.
The Sustainability Quotient (TSQ):
Heirloom Full Jaal Mukaish: While Mukaish as a craft has mostly now become an embellishment to Chikankari, we at Meiraas have been trying consistently, to introduce this beautiful craft in all its individual glory, & in more heritage yet functional ways to wear it, to increase the longevity and heirloom value of each piece. Mukaish Jaal Dupattas on Silk are stand alone Heirloom Dupattas, that are versatile to be paired with any Kurta.
Mukaish Hand Embroidery with proper "ghutaai" - this means Mukaish embroidery has been rubbed using old technique of filling pebbles in a bottle and rubbing on the embroidery, instead of new age roller press method. This one method ensures long lasting Mukaish. In itself Mukaish is more sustainable craft that sequins or "salma sitaara" embroidery, as Mukaish never comes off, maintaing the look of the garment for much longer time.
Handspun Handwoven Tussar Silk: Thigh reeled, Handspun, Handwoven soft Tussar Silk from the looms of Bhagalpur, Bihar has been used as a base for these dupattas.
KHAYAL (moodboard): Poetry etched in fabric, Golden Trellis alludes to the once opulent courts of the ancient royalties of India. Trellis is the jaali like window pattern, a signature architecture in heritage monuments of the Golden Era. This museum quality piece of legacy bound, wearable art will a pride for any one who owns it.
POSHAAK (about the dupatta): Handloom Tussar Silk Dupatta embroidered beautifully with the Trellis (jaalidaar window) Pattern Mukaish (Chheenta Mukaish) all over & finished with Gold kingri gota lace detailing (not visible in images) on the daaman of the Dupatta. The dupatta shade is natural beige colour of Tussar yarn. It is a beautiful Heirloom piece that works perfectly well standalone with any Kurta - Chikankari, Banarasi, Plain Tussar, Chanderi, etc. This one dupatta is versatile to dress up and down and adds the elegance that only Heirloom Pieces can. A perfect hand me down too.
Imp: This dupatta is natural Tussar beige colour. If you want this coloured to a shade of your choice, then drop us an email at namaste@meiraas.com
The colours of a Meadow - Green velvety Grass & Pristine Blue lake come alive on this beautiful Tussar Silk Dupatta with Hand Dyed Shibori. The rich silk fabric is all weather & the colour is stunning to wear with any neutral colour attire.
Indian Nui Shibori Stole on Tussar Silk (Pure) fabric.
Please Read:
Indian NUI Shibori is a varied version of the original Japanese Nui Shibori. The Japanese Shibori is done only by hand & generally makes one big pattern on a small swatch of fabric.
In India, this method varies. The patterns in Indian NUI are drawn by hand on papern, and then sewn by sewing machine allover the fabric.
The handmade process involved here is drawing the pattern, tracing on fabric, tying & dyeing post machine embroidery, opening of all tie to reveal final product, finishing treatment (eco friendly).
Note: These days a lot of Digitally made Shibori from India is doing the round of market that looks very intricate in the first look. However on deeper 2nd look, you see that the NUI holes (made from sewing machine embroidery) are barely visible & light cannot pass through them. Therefore please bear in mind that the Indian NUI Shibori will have prominent needle marks in pattern (refer to the last image).