India is one of the boiling pots of culture, tradition, and craft; it boasts many forms of crafts with a rich history and heritage. Most of us are well versed with the craft, but the story and history behind it stay unsaid and unknown. Few of such crafts are Ajrakh, Bandhani, and Shibori. These are some of the most famous art pieces on cloth, but the story is still somewhere unknown. So, here are the history and story behind these gorgeous block printed crafts of Ajrakh, Bandhani, and Shibori:
Ajrakh
One of the latest trends nowadays is being eco-friendly. Where people are going head over heels for the concept of eco-friendly products, Ajrakh is a craft that has existed in the harmony of nature for centuries now. With deep crimson red and indigo blue background, Ajrakh is a block-printed cloth. The symmetrical patterns with interspersed unprinted sparkling white motifs make it more gorgeous. Tracing back to the civilizations of the Indus Valley, Ajrakh is an ancient craft in India.
This traditional craft is known for its beautiful blue hue that happens to be one of the principal colors in Ajrakh printing. The name itself is derived from the term "Azrak" meaning blue in Arabic. This signifies the importance of this color in its craft. Ajrakh is considered to be a Sindhi tradition as you will find in their daily life like dupattas, bed sheets, scarves, and more. Soon after the Khatris migrated from Sindh in the 16th century, they practiced the craft of Ajrakh with locally available natural dyes and water. And to date, it is considered to be one of the richest and gorgeous crafts in India.
Check out this masterpiece Handloom Banarasi Silk Dupatta made with an amalgamation of two crafts Bandhani & Ajrakh. This Blue pure modal silk Ajrakh and Bandhani Banarasi Dupatta is something that you will be proud to possess!
Another Ajrakh Dupatta from Khinkhwab
Hues of Blues Pure Modal Silk Ajrakh and Bandhani Dupatta
Bandhani
Crafts of dyes in India have held profound importance for a large number of years for a few reasons. One such reason is that it is considered to be a symbol of good fortune. In India still, the "Bandhani" saree is worn by many for good fortune. The old "Bandhani," or Indian Tie and Dye procedure started around 5000 years prior to the state of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is believed that the Muslim Khatri people group of Kutch as one of the first to utilize this type of dying.
It is one of the most popular techniques still and is utilized to make sarees, odhnis, and turbans. "Bandhani" originates from "Bandhan," which means tying up, the very technique that is utilized to create different patterns. This form of craft has been passed on from generation to generation in Indian culture and is made with natural dyes. Although nowadays, both natural and man-made dyes are used.
This exclusive Pure Banarasi Handloom Georgette Bandhani dupatta is dyed in regal purple color with golden zari work all over and has a beautiful zari geometric border. Bandhani makes it perfect to complete that regal look this season. These small dots of Bandhani, which add to the unique appearance of the cloth, demands lots of time and labor.
You can't miss out and takes your eyes this elegant Khinkhwab Pure Georgette Banarasi Handloom Bandhani Dupatta in unique blue color with Jangla work all over, which is just the right pick to make a stunning statement at your next gathering.
This Dupatta is a perfect example of the fusion of two craftsmanship- Kutch meets Banaras making it one of our exclusive pieces
Some stunning Handwoven Banarasi Bandhani sarees for you :-
Green Pure Georgette Handwoven Banarasi Bandhani Saree
Pure Georgette Banarasi Handloom Bandhani saree
Banarasi Handloom Kadhua Jangla Saree with Kutchi Bandhani
Khinkhwabi Handloom Banarasi Meenakari Jangla saree with Kutchi Bandhani
Shibori
Shibori is another style of tie and color, and the word originates from the Japanese word Shibori, which signifies "to wring, crush or press." Shibori is a method for adorning materials by forming the fabric and after that tying with strings before coloring. The texture can be crumpled, folded, or crushed, all of which give the texture its very own special look. One of the specialties of genuine Shibori and Bandhani is that they can't be created by a machine, just by hand.
Shibori is a form of tie-dye which originated in Japan and Indonesia. It has been practiced there since the 8th century.Rooting back to ages, these gorgeous and unique crafts have always been one of our best treasures. Craftsmen have practiced these forms of crafts from ages, and no matter how much time goes by these crafts are always going to be one of the most elegant and classy pieces of work.
Check the beautiful Khinkhwab Banarasi Dupatta made with an amalgamation of two crafts Bandhani & Shibori.
Olive Green Pure Modal Silk Shibori Bandhani Dupatta
You may also want to see this Shibori Dupatta
Blue Pink Pure Modal Silk Shibori Bandhani Dupatta
If you are looking at supporting handmade and buy Handloom Banarasi silk attires online, you can find them all in this one-stop-shop, Khinkhwab - The Essence of Banaras
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