![]() |
Unprinted Chanderi saree |
Muslins from Chanderi were earlier made using a local wild onion for counting and sizing; they were apparently finer than Dacca muslins. Unfortunately, this quality of Chanderi muslin is no longer made.
Contemporary Chanderi sarees are diaphanous silk, silk-cotton or pure silk. They are often embellished with a zari border, and zari motifs woven with supplementary weft threads may be seen on their bodies. The zari is patterned into a wide variety of bold designs although floral motifs dominate. In addition to this, Chanderi sarees are often printed with bagh and other traditional prints. The end-pieces of the sarees are often relatively simple with strips although more intricate end-pieces are also seen.