This is a spectacular example of a Benarasi brocade sari, which would have been purchased for a bride’s trousseau. Benaras or Varanasi, is a well-known centre for the production of handwoven silk brocade textiles. The silk was traditionally woven with zari (gilt thread) in real silver, with embellishments taking the form of floral borders, repeated individual motifs or a spread of an intricate pattern repeated over the entire fabric. Due to the precious material being used, and the complexity of weaving, heavily embellished saris like this example, would have been very valuable.
