Bandhani sarees from the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan are a testament to the exceptional skills of Indian artisans. The intricate tie and dye technique, beautiful patterns and vibrant colours on bandhej sarees make them a timeless treasure. But while shopping for saree online it can be a challenge to spot an authentic one from mass-produced imitations. If you have similar questions in mind, be assured that with practical tips you can become a pro at identifying a real bandhani saree.
Here are some tips to spot authentic bandhej sarees.
Understanding What Makes Bandhej Special
Before you shop for bandhani sarees online it is important to know what sets them apart. The traditional tie and dye technique includes meticulous works like tying small knots on the fabric to create unique patterns – giving it the name bandhej – and dyeing them in vegetable and natural dyes.
Here are some tell-tale signs of authentic bhandani work.
- Uneven Patterns – Since they are hand-tied, no two bandhej sarees are exactly the same.
- Vibrant and Earthy Colours – Natural dyes often have vivid earthy hues, giving the fabric depth and warmth.
- Texture – Bandhani is generally done on silk or soft cotton giving it a luxurious soft texture.
Look for Close Up Images
Most reputable online sellers provide detailed images of products. Zoom into photos and pay attention to the details.
- Knots – A real bandhej saree will have several tiny raised surfaces where the fabric is tied. They could be irregularly shaped.
- Gradient – Authentic Bandhani can have colour variation and gradients around the knots. It could be a fake piece if the colours look too uniform or perfectly in place.
Price Tag
Bandhej sarees often have a higher price tag because they involve laborious and meticulous handwork. These sarees can cost Rs. 3000-Rs1200 or more depending on the fabric, craftsmanship and intricacies of the work.
Look for a Detailed Description
Reputed online sellers often include detailed descriptions of the saree. Look for information on
- Origin – Bandhani sarees are from various origins – Kutch Bandhani, Bhuj Bandhej or Jaipur bandhani.
- Fabric – Check the fabric of the saree. Bandhej is usually done on cotton, silk or georgette.
- Dyeing Process – look for phrases like ‘hand-tied’ or ‘manually tied’ – these imply authenticity.
Video Posts
Check for videos along with images because videos provide a better sense for determining fabric’s texture, pattern intricacies etc. You can also look at customer reviews with videos.
Spot The Signs of Machine-Made Imitations
Machine-made Bandhani-inspired sarees cannot compare to the creativity of handcrafted ones. Here’s how to spot the differences in cheap imitations.
- Perfectly uniform dots – The beauty of handmade bandhani is found in its flaws, which are what make it so special.
- Printed patterns – Rather than use the tie-dye method, many copies merely print Bandhani designs onto the fabric.
- Unrealistic prices – As previously said, excessively low prices are obvious.
Understanding The Variations in Regional Work
Regional differences in bandhani styles exist. It is better to be aware of the differences to not get confused with imitations.
- Gujarat Bandhani – renowned for its elaborate patterns and vivid reds and yellows.
- Rajasthan Bandhani – Has more vivid hues and striking designs.
Knowing these subtleties will increase the saree’s authenticity by enabling you to recognize its style and place of origin.
Know Your Trusted Seller
One of the most secure methods to guarantee authenticity is to purchase from reputable, well-known online platforms. Look into websites and companies that specialize in traditional Indian sarees, like iTokri. This is one platform that is renowned for sourcing authentic Indian sarees directly from the artisans. They source bandhani sarees from Kutch and Jaipur from the local artisans.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t have to be difficult to purchase a genuine Bandhani saree online. You may eliminate guesswork and confidently recognize real goods with these tips. Keep in mind that Bandhani sarees are a celebration of Indian craftsmanship and heritage, not merely clothing.