How to Identify a Pure Kanjivaram Silk Saree - MSU Guide                                                                                                                                                        

 

Indian women splendidly dressed in sarees are a sight to behold. Sarees, with their classic drape and air of sophistication, have long been a favourite of women of all sizes and shapes. The elegant drape, lively colour palette, detailed patterns, and flowing silhouette have been captivating hearts for decades.

For Indians, a saree is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a cultural emblem that represents the illustrious past, traditional values, and feminine elegance of the country.

The pure Kanjeevaram saree is the jewel in the crown of sarees, and we must mention it when discussing sarees. An exquisite piece of art, Kanjivaram saree has its roots in the Tamil Nadu temple town Kancheepuram. The delicate yet sturdy strands, made from pure mulberry silk, will last for generations. 

The mythological or natural motifs commonly depicted in the exquisite zari work lend an air of casual elegance that is timeless and stunning.  

 

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Understanding Kanjivaram Silk Sarees

The Kanjivaram silk weaving tradition dates back over 400 years. During the reign of Krishna Devaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Saligrama Brahmin weavers from Andhra Pradesh brought the art to Kanchipuram.

 

Now, those unique weaving techniques passed down through generations, have made Kanjivaram silk sarees so popular, and for all the right reasons, their durability and grandeur remain unmatched to this day.

 

Heavyweight silk and intricate zari work are the hallmarks of a pure Kanjivaram silk saree. Mulberry silk sarees and zari, a technique that employs delicate silver threads coated in gold, are among the materials used. The traditional patterns, which draw inspiration from elements of nature, palaces, and temples, along with the contrasting borders, give the saree its unique style.

 

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Each saree's unique weaving method, which weaves the body and the pallu (the loose end) separately before joining them, ensures an exquisite drape and fall.

 

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How to Tell if a Kanjivaram Silk Saree is Real?

 

Distinguishing a pure Kanjivaram silk saree from a fake requires a keen eye and an understanding of the saree's unique characteristics. Here are some key factors that you should definitely consider:

 

1. Silk Quality

The finest mulberry silk, renowned for its softness, smoothness, and subtle lustre, forms the basis of the pure Kanjivaram silk sarees. Do not forget to run your fingers along the fabric; the genuine silk will always feel incredibly soft and sumptuous, with a slight grip characteristic of pure silk.

 

2. Zari Work

A Kanjivaram saree's labyrinthine zari work, often featuring gold or silver threads woven into the design, is a hallmark. Carefully crafted, the authentic art of zari work seamlessly integrates the threads into the fabric. If you notice that the zari is dull or poorly attached, recognize that this might be an imitation silk saree in a blink.

 

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3. Weight

The Kanjivaram sarees are renowned for their substantial weight, which is a result of the high-quality fabric used in the saree and, of course, the intricate weaving techniques. A true Kanjeevaram saree will always feel heavier than its synthetic counterparts.

 

4. Weaving Pattern

Because Kanjivaram sarees are handwoven, the weaving pattern may exhibit slight irregularities. This is a sign of genuine craftsmanship, as power looms produce perfectly uniform patterns.

 

5. Kanjivaram Silk Mark

The Kanjivaram Silk Mark is a certification issued by the Government of India and is a reliable indicator of authenticity. Definitely check for this mark on the saree’s label or tag.

 

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6. Price

The Kanjivaram sarees are prized for their beautiful craftsmanship and the high-quality materials used, so they come at a premium price. If a saree comes off as too good to be true, it probably is.

 

7. Reputable Seller

Shopping from a reputed seller with a proven track record of authenticity is very crucial. Ask for certifications and seek recommendations from experienced users, influencers, and saree enthusiasts.

 

How to Check the Quality of the Silk?

 

Here are some methods to check the quality of silk, both for Kanjivaram sarees and other silk fabrics:

 

1. Visual Inspection:

 

Lustre: Real silk has a natural and subtle sheen that changes depending on the angle of light. Synthetics often have a harsh, uniform kind of shine to them.

 

Weave: Look for slight irregularities in the weave, especially in handwoven silks. Perfectly uniform patterns might indicate that the fabric is machine-made.

 

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Colour: High-quality silk dyes absorb colour deeply, resulting in rich, even tones. Faded or uneven colours could suggest the use of lower quality silk or synthetic materials.

 

2. Touch Test

 

Smoothness: Now we all know that real silk feels incredibly smooth and soft against your skin, with a slight waxy texture. Synthetics can feel slippery or rough.

 

Warmth: Gently rub the silk between your fingers. Pure silk will conduct heat and feel slightly warm, while synthetics will stay cool.

 

Sound: Crinkle the fabric. Real silk often produces a dry, rustling sound, while imitations might be silent or even sound scratchy.

 

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3. Zari Test

 

We conduct this test to verify the purity of the zari used in the saree. Take a few threads from the saree's border, or pallu, and scrape off the outer layer. Silk threads dipped in silver and then gold create pure zari, used in authentic Kanjivaram sarees.

 

4. Ring Test

 

This test is intended to determine the silk's fineness. For this, you need to take a small portion of the saree and try to pass it through a ring. A pure Kanjivaram saree, despite being thick, can pass through a ring smoothly because of its fine weave.

If the thread beneath the scraped-off layer appears reddish or whitish, it is genuine; if it's synthetic, the thread will be white or yellow.

 

5. Hallmark Check

 

We conduct this test to verify authenticity through official certification. Look for a Silk Mark label, which is an assurance from the Silk Mark Organisation of India. This hallmark signifies that the saree has successfully undergone numerous and rigorous quality checks, ensuring its authenticity as genuine Kanjivaram silk.

 

6. Additional Tips:

 

Price Point: Kanjivaram silk's exceptional quality comes at a cost. If a saree's price seems suspiciously low, it's likely not genuine. Be wary of deals that appear too good to be true. 

 

Always Look for Labels: Plump for the Kanjivaram Silk Mark, a government-issued certification guaranteeing the saree's authenticity. This mark signifies adherence to strict quality standards and traditional weaving techniques.

 

Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: Seek out established sellers with a reputation for authenticity. Look for stores, be they physical or online, with a long history and positive customer reviews. Don't hesitate to ask for certifications or proof of origin.

 

Owning a Piece of Living Heritage

 

You now know very well that identifying a pure Kanjivaram silk saree is critical to ensuring that you're investing in a genuine piece of art that carries both cultural and material value. You can confidently navigate the world of silk sarees and own a piece of this marvellous art, cherished for generations to come, by understanding the hallmarks of authentic Kanjivaram silk and implementing these tips.

Remember, a little research and informed decision-making go a long way in ensuring you bring home a piece of India's rich textile tradition.

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Drape in Confidence with Mysore Sarees Udyog

You're now ready to own a true silk saree, empowered by all this knowledge. However, with a multitude of brands vying for your attention, you may find it difficult to know where to start. Look no further than Mysore Sarees Udyog, a name synonymous with tradition and exquisite craftsmanship for generations.

 

For years, Mysore Sarees Udyog has been a trusted source for authentic Kanjivaram sarees, carefully woven with the finest silk and adorned with intricate zari work. Each saree we design is a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian textiles, passed down through skilled artisans for centuries.

 

Why settle for synthetics when you have access to the originals? Visit Mysore Sarees Udyog today to discover our carefully curated selection of Kanjivaram sarees, handloom sarees, Embroidered Sarees, cotton handlooms, fabrics, lehengas, wedding collections, and much more. Drape yourself in an unparalleled legacy of elegance.