Benarasi Sari, Silk

For centuries, Benaras has been known for its finely woven textiles especially its silk brocades with gold and silver threads. Known as kalabattun, the zari thread consists of finely drawn gold, silver or base metal thread, wound around a silk thread. This deep rose pink sari has a gold pallu (border) with a pattern of paisley motifs. The body of the sari is covered with alternating rows of small rosettes enclosed with a gold brocaded border. Saris such as these were costly and were largely patronised by rich merchants and noble families.