Paithini Sari

Maharashtra is very popular for it's crafts of Paithini sarees,named after the Paithan town in Aurangabad.

A Paithini sari on a bride reigns supreme in a marathi wedding, symbolising the spirit of true Maharashtrian culture.

The 'Queen of silks' is so called because only royals and aristocrats once wore it.This regal sarees dates back to over 2000 years ago,meaning it was an integral part of the attires of women in the Mughal,Nizam and Maratha eras.Marathas encouraged the textile activities and reference indicate that Madhavrao Peshwa and Nizam of Hyderabad had interest in paithini textiles.

Present day Yeola town in Nashik, Maharashtra,is the largest manufacturer of paithini.

Types of Paithini -

Paithini is also known as the 'Kathpadar'sari, highlighting it's  two main reason components,Kath,which refers to the border woven with pure zari and padar,which refers to the decorative edge.

The paithini signature pallus feature intricate peacock motifs on a golden zari fabric,it is handwoven to perfection using the finest of silks and Cottons,making each saree a celebration in itself.It can be classified by motifs, weaving and colours.

Motifs 

Due to proximity to the Ajanta caves the influence of the Buddhist paintings can be seen in the woven Paithani motifs.The Kamal or Lotus flower on which Buddha sits or stands and the hans motif.

The asawalli (flowering vines)became very popular during the Peshwa's period .

The peacock (Bangadimor) and The Narali (coconut) motifs are very common .

Weaving

Paithani weaving characterizes the sophisticated use of silk and gold(zari).

Three techniques of weaving

Interlocking Method -Kadiyal border sari means interlocking the warp and the weft of the border are of the same colour,while the body has different colours for warp and weft.

Split tapestry weave-Silk was used in weft design and in the borders ,whereas cotton was used in the body of the fabric.It is plain weave with weft figuring designs according to the principles of tapestry.

& Dobe tailing method.

Colours

Among other varieties ,single coloured and kaleidoscope designs are also popular.The Kaleidoscope effect is achieved by using one colour for weaving lengthwise and another for weaving widthwise.In pallu Muniya (a kind of parrot)always find in green colour with an occasional red touch at the mouth.Parrot green (Raghu)sari ,Kali chandra kala & Shirshak are other colours of Paithani sari.

Brocade Paithani silk kuttu sari in dark green and orangish red with rich zari pallu and peacock motifs.It comes with an unstitched running blouse fabric.

 

Pure Paithani

Look at the reverse side of the paithani handloom sari especially the pallu .The reverse side of a genuine paithan sari will looks exactly the same as it's top side front and reverse side of handwoven paithani looks exactly the same.A fake paithani will have a web of thread on the reverse side.

Maintenance of sari

Spread fabric in a dry place after every use and let it breath for a day.Avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods.Don't keep it in a closeted dark space for a long time.

Sari description

Paithani sari is a much treasured heirloom of any Maharashtrian lady passed down from mother to daughter.Paithani sarees are very expensive because it takes almost a year to      complete.Maharani Paithani is the most popular, it's made from gold plated silver wire .The shine and charm of the original paithini sari never dulls,so discover it.