Silk has been considered a symbol of Indian royal style & Dupion Silk Sarees have been part of the Indian heritage over several centuries.
The first mention of richly handcrafted Dupion Silk is found in the Mahabharata and various Buddhist literature. Indian historians often quote the Dupion Silk artwork as one of the best examples of India’s rich culture.
Handcrafted Dupion Silk Sarees
Dupion Silk Sarees are often embroidered with genuine gold and silver threads. It could take from 6 months up to 3 years to prepare such a saree with richly handwoven art.
The design has evolved with time, though it is believed that the Dupion Silk handcrafted costumes gained popularity during the Mughal period (from mid 16th to late 19th century) & were subsequently influenced by the Persian art as well.
Dupion Silk is also known by various other names like Douppioni or Dupioni.
Dupion, Douppioni or Dupioni Silk Textures
One unique characteristic of Dupion Silk is the textured silk threads. When naturally grown, it requires 2 silk worm caterpillars to wrap themselves up in a single pod. Silk produced from such entangled cocoons give a natural coarseness to the silk thread. The final fabric also bears this unevenness & produces a natural shine & displays colors in a vibrant manner.
Handcrafted Ethic Artwork & Prints
There is still a rich heritage of tribal artists who imprint their hand drawn designs & embroideries on Dupion Silk Sarees.
The designs are elaborate, hand crafted on hand looms & use traditional techniques to produce these marvels.
This wrinkle-resistant silk fabric allows complex embroidery, lace & pearl work.
The duo-tone effect, that comes from the texture as well as the dye adds to the gorgeousness of the product.
Dupion Silk is still is still mostly produced by weavers & artists in the region of Champa by the Dewangan lineage, Varanasi by the Ansari family along with various tribal communities of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal & Chhattisgarh have also been adding their ethnic art work on this silk fabric for generations.
