Historically, Benares has been an ancient centre of production of brocades woven with silver or gold and fine silk; gaining distinction during the Mughal era. Persian motifs were combined with traditional designs to create the signature floral designs. The tradition of the Benares brocade continues to the present day, with a community of Muslim weavers in Benares or Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Azamgarh keeping it alive. The Benares brocades incorporate intricate motifs like the intertwining floral motifs, a string of upright leaves among others. This is a long panel of blue brocade with woven bird and leaf motifs in gold zari or metal thread. The Benares Brocade was and continues to be a part of the wedding trousseau of most Indian brides; a practice seen among Singapore’s Indian communities too. This is a long panel of brocade with zari (gold thread) woven on a blue background with repeat motifs including birds and foliage.
