An independent scholarly archive · Est. 2026 · New Delhi
A Textile Archive
The Krishna Lal Collection
Home/Collection/Uttar Pradesh/KL/49/2024◂ PreviousObject 49 of 55Next ▸
Varanasi Brocade · Uttar Pradesh

Sona Rupa Kadwa Buta Banarasi Sari

KL/49/2024 · Accession225" × 45"Varanasi BrocadeCatalogued 24.10.2024Excellent condition
↗ Cite↧ Download record★ Save
KL/49/2024 · PLATE 01
IIIF DEEP-ZOOM · 8400 × 10500
10 cm
Full Object — Front — high-resolution archival photograph
© The Krishna Lal Collection · Photography by [studio] · Licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 for scholarly use. Request high-resolution access via Research Office.
Catalogue Record

Object Metadata

Accession Number
KL/49/2024
Object Title
Sona Rupa Kadwa Buta Banarasi Sari
Production State
Uttar Pradesh
Craft Tradition
Varanasi Brocade
Craft Technique
Supp. weft; Kadwa technique
Weave Type
Supplementary-weft brocade
Primary Materials
Kora silk · Zari
Tradition
Banarasi
Dimensions
225" × 45" (L × W)
Colour Palette
GoldSilverOrangeBeige
Condition
Excellent — Pristine, fully stable
Current Location
The Krishna Lal Collection, New Delhi
Documented By
Sareekah Agarwaal
Documented On
24.10.2024
Schema Standard
Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT)
§ I — Curatorial Narrative
by Sareekah Agarwaal, 2024

The beige Banarasi kora silk sari is a breathtaking masterpiece that showcases traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist.

Featuring intricate damask sona rupa kadwa buta work, it exudes an elegant and timeless appeal. The soft gold tones enhance its luxurious appeal, while the delicate zari border lends a regal touch.

The butas, arranged in an alternate broad border pattern are framed by intricate lengthwise borders on both sides, adding depth and structure to the design. The body of the sari bears dainty butas, creating a subtle yet striking visual harmony.

The pallu (end-piece) mirrors the damask butas and the resplendent zari border making this sari a true embodiment of Banarasi heritage.

Footnotes
  1. 1 See Mohanty, B.C., Ikat Fabrics of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, Calico Museum, 1980.
  2. 2 Field interview, master weaver, March 2024.
  3. 3 Refer to motif index entries below.
§ II — Motif Analysis
2 motifs identified
Paisley
बूटा (कैरी)

Mango or cypress; eternal fertility and life. Identified across the body butis and border of this object.

Open motif entry
Vines
लताएँ

Continuity; the rhythm of nature. Identified across the creeping borders of this object.

Open motif entry
§ III — Technique
Varanasi Brocade

Varanasi
Brocade

In supplementary weft technique, the weaver inserts an extra weft yarn — usually metallic zari, sometimes contrasting silk — only along the rows where pattern is required. The result is a brocade: pattern raised above ground, while the base cloth remains structurally complete on its own. This single technique underlies the Banarasi, Paithani, Jamdani, Bomkai and Baluchari traditions — but each has codified its own grammar.

STEP 01
Set the foundation warp and weft
STEP 02
Prepare the supplementary yarn
STEP 03
Insert by hand on a jacquard or jala loom
STEP 04
Trim or float on the reverse
Open technique family
DIAGRAM — Supplementary Weft process
Fig. III.1 · Supplementary Weft · Brocade family
§ IV — Cross-Linked Discovery

Related Objects in the Collection

Cite This Object
Agarwaal, S. (2024). Sona Rupa Kadwa Buta Banarasi Sari (KL/49/2024). The Krishna Lal Collection: An Archive of Indian Textile Traditions. Retrieved 01 Jun 2026 from krishnalal-collection.org/collection/kl-49-2024.
ChicagoMLAAPABibTeX
Institutional Access
High-resolution archival files and physical examination access are available to museums and accredited researchers.
Open Research Inquiry