Golden TrellisĀ 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):
Heritage Mukaish work re created: This work is known as Satkhani jaali. It has not been done in India or is extremely rarely done anymore. This is Jaali work done in Mukaish. Its karigars are not alive now, and some of the karigars who learnt this art do not work in India. This was re created when one of them came on a small visit to his family in India. He has taught some amount of work to our small group of artisans in Lucknow. This work was historically done in Lucknow only. What can be better sustainability than finding out a lost artwork in a craft & helping revive it again to wearable pieces, & most importantly in pieces that can be part of today's heritage builders' private wardrobe; this will ensure the craft's continued sustainability.
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.
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 Pure Organza Dupatta embroidered beautifully with the rare & precious Golden Moon made in Satkhaani Jaali style. A tiki dot finishes the moon like a bindi finishes a beautiful face. A historic dupatta, that will always be the pride of the owner & will remain as part of handpicked private collection.
Golden TrellisĀ 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, or 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):
Heritage Mukaish work re created: This work is known as Satkhani jaali. It has not been done in India or is extremely rarely done anymore. This is Jaali work done in Mukaish. Its karigars are not alive now, and some of the karigars who learnt this art do not work in India. This was re created when one of them came on a small visit to his family in India. He has taught some amount of work to our small group of artisans in Lucknow. This work was historically done in Lucknow only. What can be better sustainability than finding out a lost artwork in a craft & helping revive it again to wearable pieces, & most importantly in pieces that can be part of today's Heritage Builders' private collection; this will ensure the craft's continued sustainability.
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, maintaining the look of the garment for much longer time.
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 Pure Organza Dupatta embroidered beautifully with the rare & precious Golden Leaf or Swarna Paatra made in Satkhaani Jaali style. This beautiful Golden Leaf is particularly complex to create and is allover the dupatta. A historic dupatta, that will always be the pride of the owner & will remain as part of handpicked private collection.
Golden TrellisĀ 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, or 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):
Heritage Mukaish work re created: This work is known as Gukhru work. It has not been done in India or is extremely rarely done anymore. This is overlapping meshed Jaali work done in Mukaish. Its karigars are not alive now, and some of the karigars who learnt this art do not work in India. This was re created when one of them came on a small visit to his family in India. He has taught some amount of work to our small group of artisans in Lucknow. This work was historically done in Lucknow only. What can be better sustainability than finding out a lost artwork in a craft & helping revive it again to wearable pieces, & most importantly in pieces that can be part of today's Heritage Builders' private collection; this will ensure the craft's continued sustainability.
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, maintaining the look of the garment for much longer time.
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): Pure Organza Silk Dupatta embroidered beautifully with the rare & precious Jugnu or Glowing Firefly design. This is a very complex embroidery where Mukaish wires are embroidered one on top of another to make a mesh trellis patten & is then interlocked within a ring. Even in this miniature motif, the craftsmanship is unbelievable. A historic dupatta, that will always be the pride of the owner & will remain as part of handpicked private collection.
The motifs used in this saree are generally used for Pure Georgette sarees. In the local language of the artisans they called "Pure ka Boota" (meaning expensive motif). The motifs generally used for everyday Cotton Sarees are unskilled and are referred to as "chaalu kaam" (basic work) in their local parlance. The usage of this motif gave them an opportunity to work upon designs that they generally never get, thereby enhancing their skill set.
Jaali Stitch - fast vanishing from all artisans skill set, the Jaali stitch now remains a cynosure of premium Chikankari units only. The bargain basement embroidery market has completely devolved the artisan skill in Chikankari. We got them back to practising Jaali stitch by commissioning the same on Rajnigandha saree. (please refer to last image for reference, as initial photos did not have Jaali. The last image is an indoor mobile phone click to show jaali).
Khayal (moodboard):"Rajnigandha Collection was born out of my love of 70s effortless and relatable genre of Hindi Cinema, and the look of the heroines of such films, who felt closer to the women in my family & around me ā my mother, my aunts, my teachers ā all of whom were heroines in their own life, and were changing the societal mindset, to accept women who knew their mind, could go out & work, or homemakers who needed personal time, have a life and defined choices, while taking their family along in this journey. It was an interesting time!! Rajnigandha was especially chosen for Chikankari sarees, because they were heavily worn by women of all age groups in Lucknow, light worked ones and heavier Tepchi ones in pretty sorbet & pastel shades. The collection is also my heart collective, as it involves Artisan Skill Enhancement at each level, along with using good quality handwoven cotton fabric, all of which has completely disappeared from Chikankari everyday sarees."- Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, MeiraasPoshaak (about the saree): An oblong Cypress Boota, a rare find, anoints itself on this beautiful Chikankari saree, that we choose to call MadhuMaalti. The motif is extremely rare, and has beautiful & very rare Jaali stitch done in cotton thread, a rarity now in everyday Chikankari sarees.
It is a beautiful Pink hued saree, that needs very little to dress it up or down for various occasions.
Wear it for office with silver jewellery, or brunch with friends with well chosen Tribal Jewels.
This is Amber Charkha spun (non motorised) & Handwoven soft Cotton from West Bengal.Ā It is embroidered with intricate Cypress motif, a rare motif to be found in Lucknow, with intricate workmanship and most importantly Jaali embroidery (please refer to last image). Rest of the saree has small floral bootis all over.
It is a perfect light office/lunch/brunch/casual wear saree, yet one that will make heads turn. The drape is perfect for any weather.
Artisan Skill Enhancement: The motifs used in this saree are generally used for Pure Georgette sarees. In the local language of the artisans they called "Pure ka Boota" (meaning expensive motif). The motifs generally used for everyday Cotton Sarees are unskilled and are referred to as "chaalu kaam" (basic work) in their local parlance. The usage of this motif gave them an opportunity to work upon designs that they generally never get, thereby enhancing their skill set.
Azo Free Dyes
Khayal (moodboard):"Rajnigandha Collection was born out of my love of 70s effortless and relatable genre of Hindi Cinema, and the look of the heroines of such films, who felt closer to the women in my family & around me ā my mother, my aunts, my teachers ā all of whom were heroines in their own life, and were changing the societal mindset, to accept women who knew their mind, could go out & work, or homemakers who needed personal time, have a life and defined choices, while taking their family along in this journey. It was an interesting time!!
Rajnigandha was especially chosen for Chikankari sarees, because they were heavily worn by women of all age groups in Lucknow, light worked ones and heavier Tepchi ones in pretty sorbet & pastel shades.
The collection is also my heart collective, as it involves Artisan Skill Enhancement at each level, along with using good quality handwoven cotton fabric, all of which has completely disappeared from Chikankari everyday sarees." - Vidhi Rastogi, Head of Creative, MeiraasPoshaak (about the saree): Wine is a beautiful deep plum hued Chikankari saree, that needs very little to dress it up or down for various occasions. Wear it for office with silver jewellery, or brunch with friends with well chosen Tribal Jewels, while you order yourself a glass of Merlot.
Please Note: The saree is shot under studio light, colour will vary slightly when seen indoors & when seen outdoors in full sun. This is the nature of the colour.
This is Amber Charkha spun (non motorised) & Handwoven soft Cotton from West Bengal.Ā It is embroidered with intricate Paan motif, an endearing motif of Lucknow, that is reminiscent of the favourite mouth freshener Luckhnavis are addicted to. Rest of the saree has small floral bootis all over.
It is a perfect light office/lunch/brunch/casual wear saree, yet one that will make heads turn. The drape is perfect for any weather.
Nakshatra Black Pure Organza Kaamdaani saree of Meiraas Exclusive work , The Golden Trellis with Circle Diskette & Chaand motif!! A stunning saree that celebrates forces of the Universe.
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
- REVIVAL OF TRELLIS WORK IN KAMDAANI EMBROIDERY: A rarity, Golden Trellis, has been elusive in the repertoire of Kamdaani embroidery for over many centuries. Now this work is done for select Royalty globally, and Meiraas has got this done for you.
- PURE ORGANZA
KHAYAAL (moodboard):"Summers in 1980s Lucknow meant, the whole family sleeping on the terrace at night. While one reason could be that power cuts were frequent then, another reason was its charm of sleeping under the open sky. Nani's house was a treat for me in this respect, whenever we stayed there. We would sleep under the stars, all cousins and elders around on their own charpais. Papa would take this as a moment to show me stars, planets, moon, the Milky Way, etc etc. It was fascinating & I deeply miss those innocent times. Nakshatra is a product of that reverie. Designing Nakshatra was always a dream, ever since I started working with Mukaish craft. The stars of Mukaish say so much to me than just metallic embellishments. They remind me of shooting stars, sun shining on dewdrops, planets, forces that are beyond our comprehension, and we can only see them as glittering dots, because we are limited in our scope to understand energies. This was the thought with which I explored Nakshatra.The Golden Trellis was the perfect embroidery to try this design intervention. I conceptualised a Celestial Trinity of the Sun, the Moon and the Planet to denote the Nakshatra and set it on a bed of stars in the sky in the form of this beautiful Organza Saree.I wish the patron wears it in an enchanting dinner place, under open clear sky, with millions of stars, a glass of wine and good company at hand and have a soulful time to remember & cherish forever." - Vidhi, Head of Creative, Meiraas
POSHAAK (about the saree):
This dark black sky of a soft cloudy Organza Saree has the Constellation in the form of - the Sun, the Moon & the Planet in Golden Trellish Kaamdaani embroidery. These motifs are heavily on the palla only, and the rest of the body has stars of Mukaish scattered all over its vast dark expanse.
We have finished it with Mulberry Silk selvedge in same colour.
The saree has a Mulberry Silk Blouse Piece in running with stars of Muakish.
Storage: Please store safely in the cloth bag we provide. Air it after every few months.
Jaipur Pink Pure Organza Kaamdaani saree of Meiraas Exclusive work , The Golden Trellis, with Chikankari detailing on the border!! A Regal soothing romance for the senses!!
THE SUSTAINABILITY QUOTIENT (TSQ):
- REVIVAL OF TRELLIS WORK IN KAMDAANI EMBROIDERY: A rarity, Golden Trellis, has been elusive in the repertoire of Kamdaani embroidery for over many centuries. Now this work is done for select Royalty globally, and Meiraas has got this done for you.
- PURE ORGANZA
KHAYAAL (moodboard):"The city lies on a plain, encircled by brown desert hills, with fortifications and walls snaking over their contours. The capital itself was the prettiest I had ever seen - an intricacy of domes & towers, lattices and verandahs, with all the buildings coloured a deep Oleander Pink. In the wide well planned streets, the women wore skirts, bodices and shawls instead of sarees, and all the men wore gloriously coloured turbans - Red, Magenta, Daffodil Yellow and an indescribable Pink, that was both pale & piercing." - Excerpt from A Princess Remembers . The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur, by Gayatri Devi
The above reference is to Jaipur's own Pink, that is akin to the flower of Kaner. India has so many unique colours, that it can make its own shade chart & inspire a variety of embroideries & art. This was the thought that shaped the Jaipur Pink saree, with lattices embroidered in Jaali Mukaish to pay our homage to the breathtakingly gorgeous city of the Rajputs.
POSHAAK (about the saree):
Jaipur Pink saree is an ode to Maharani Gayatri Devi's observation of Jaipur City. This soft cloud like Organza Saree is dyed a soft pink to resemble the Jaipur Pink. The saree has Chikankari detailing in the border. Its body has breath taking Kaamdaani embroidery work of Golden Trellis circles, that is heavier on the palla and grows smaller and lighter in the rest of the body.
The whole saree is sprinkled with Mukaish daana to add to its regal beauty. We have finished it with Mulberry Silk selvedge in same colour.
The saree has a running blouse piece with Mukaish daana embroidery.
Storage: Please store safely in the cloth bag we provide. Air it after every few months.
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.
Handloom Tussar Silk woven in Bhagalpur.
Azo Free, thrice filtered, dye
KHAYAL (moodboard): Jewel toned, lightly bling dupattas are an ode to the era gone by, of gossamer odhanis, delicately dusted with Mukaish embroidery, as the women of Lucknow rarely stepped out in anything that could be termed plain.
POSHAAK (about the dupatta): Handloom Tussar Silk Dupatta dyed in Turquoise Blue shade and dusted lightly with Mukaish Daana Embroidery. Perfect for gifting & wearing on multiple festive or light occasions. The dupatta has crochet lace details.
Please note gemstone names to the product are given as a creative touch, for actual colour do see the photographs.
Please Note: On these dupattas, the Zari strip in the width has shifted a bit due to round frames of Mukaish embroidery; this is natural with round embroidery frames, and not a damage. The Zari borders are looking aesthetically pleasing. Please keep this into consideration before deciding to purchase.Ā
Imp:
Colours like Red, Green, Blue tend to look different in different lights, that is the nature of some colours.
Colours may vary a bit, although they are all shot professionally in studio set up & closest colour has been photographed; Any variation can be due to digital medium of photography that is outside our control.
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.
Handloom Tussar Silk woven in Bhagalpur.
Azo Free, thrice filtered, dye
KHAYAL (moodboard): Jewel toned, lightly bling dupattas are an ode to the era gone by, of gossamer odhanis, delicately dusted with Mukaish embroidery, as the women of Lucknow rarely stepped out in anything that could be termed plain.
POSHAAK (about the dupatta): Handloom Tussar Silk Dupatta dyed in soft Brown shade and dusted lightly with Mukaish Daana Embroidery. Perfect for gifting & wearing on multiple festive or light occasions. The dupatta has crochet lace details.
Please note gemstone names to the product are given as a creative touch, for actual colour do see the photographs.
Please Note: On these dupattas, the Zari strip in the width has shifted a bit due to round frames of Mukaish embroidery; this is natural with round embroidery frames, and not a damage. The Zari borders are looking aesthetically pleasing. Please keep this into consideration before deciding to purchase.Ā
Imp:
Colours like Red, Green, Blue tend to look different in different lights, that is the nature of some colours.
Colours may vary a bit, although they are all shot professionally in studio set up & closest colour has been photographed; Any variation can be due to digital medium of photography that is outside our control.
White Handloom Chanderi Semi Stitched Kurta with intricate Tepchi Floral motif Jaal work allover the front panel. This is a rare Tepchi Kurta with Jaali stitch in between; the Jaali stitch is highlighted with qasab taar work. The dual colour play of White & Firozi is marvellous & ethereal. The set comes with a complimenting Dupatta in same fabric. Stitching of the Kurta is complimentary by Meiraas, along with good quality cotton detachable slip. Please choose your size from the size chart uploaded
The Sustainability Quotient (SQ):
1. Skilled Resham Hand Embroidery - Tepchi with qasab taar Jaali stitch, a rare style of Tepchi work.
2. Intricate Ek Daana Tepchi Chikankari
3. 100% Handwoven Chanderi (Meiraas In House)
4. Lace detailing added by all girls unit.
ARTISANAL CHIKANKARI BY MEIRAAS
KHAYAL (moodboard):
The Floral gardens of India, the Madhu Udhyaan or the Bagh-E-Bahaar is created with fine quality Tepchi Chikankari accompanied by rare Jaali stitch to give the illusion of ornate & regal gardens.
POSHAAK (about the dress): Jaali stitch with Tepchi embroidery is extremely rare combination that comes alive with gentle pops of Firozi colour. A gentle smattering of Mukaish adds understated elegance. The lace detailing adds charm & romance to the ethereal set. The Kurta will come with complimentary detachable slip & stitching on the set design.
Additional Details: This Kurta can be stitched uptil sizes S (small) to XXL (Extra Extra Large) only. Ready length will be maximum 46-47 inches approx.
Please note: We could not get this fresh Kurta photographed, therefore:
The 1st images are the representation of Kurta style & fall only, do not refer to it for final embroidery.
The 2nd, 3rd & 4th white kurta images are the Kurta you are buying when it was Semi Stitched (Fully stitched now. Semi Stitched will not be available).
To see the final Kurta look & closest colour please watch our Dhanlakshami Kurta, Dupatta, Kalidar Video 1 IGTV video: www.instagram.com/tv/CHPbQUZJLHW/
Power of Silence is a collection conceptualised by Meiraas in 2018, where we celebrate Silence - a much required virtue, & have given it a mood-board via elements of Powerful Silence.
White Handloom Chanderi Kurta with Kabootarbaazi Chikankari embroidery. Stitching of the Kurta is complimentary by Meiraas.
PLEASE NOTE:Only XXL size is READY TO SHIP. Rest of Sizes S, L, XL, XXL (refer to size chart) are MADE ON ORDER Only and will take 13 weeks (maximum) to get made & delivered. Please choose your size from the size chart.
The Sustainability Quotient (SQ):
1. Skilled Resham Hand Embroidery
2. Exclusive Meiraas motifs carved following all processes.
3. 100% Handwoven Chanderi produced In House by Meiraas.
4.Higher price paid to the artisans than regularly paid wages in the market
KHAYAL (mood-board):
Kabootarbaazi is inherent to the culture of Lucknow and Awadh. Whether romanced in Ruskin Bond's period novella "A Flight of the Pigeons" or appearing aesthetically in Ray's "Shatranj ke Khiladi", Pigeons and the skyline of Lucknow is synonymous with each other. Seen here is White Chikankari embroidered Kabootar in the EXCLUSIVE MOTIF created by Meiraas under Falaknuma Collection.This motif of Chikankari is an exclusive design of Meiraas launched in 2018.
POSHAAK (about the dress): Early morning or setting evening, the skyline of Lucknow is complete with the harmonious flight of the Pigeons in this Meiraas Exclusive Semi Stitched Kurta made on Handloom Chanderi. They are paired best with Meiraas Pants uploaded in Dopehri collective
Important: The kurta will come with a detachable slip complimentary from Meiraas, along with stitching & finishing also complimentary.
Chikankari Hand Embroidered Dupatta/Wrap on Handwoven Organza with Pure Zari borders of Silver on one side & gold on the other (100% Made in India from Yarn to Final Product).
This antique masterpiece is a Collector's Edition, & not to be found anywhere.
The Sustainability Quotient (SQ):
1. Localised Organza Production to India from China
2. 100% Handwoven Pure Silk Organza
3. Masterclass Weaving with one side SILVER and one side GOLD Pure Zari borders.
4. Chikankari - an ancient heritage hand embroidery practised in North India.
5. Bio Wash - Washed using Bio Friendly enzyme materials instead of Acid that is commonly used in Chikankari to wash Indigo Block marks of motifs.
KHAYAL (mood-board): Marble Carvings of Ancient Marble Monuments is a dream that has been captured in Chikankari Embroidery. Organza provides the exact dream like base for this Khayal. The Resham Chikan Embroidery appears like a replica of ancient marble engravings on fabric.
POSHAAK (about the outfit): A Handwoven Organza Wrap (Dupatta) that is lighter than air, made of Pure Silk Yarns, floaty like a cloud, adorned on either side with Gold & Silver Pure Zari Borders. Delicate Flowers of Chikankari Embroidery come alive on the it, making it a heart stopping piece of wearable art.