Zara Zari hai!

The origin of the woven shawl is lost in the mist of time, legend and tradition. The peculiar feature of the famous Kashmiri shawls of the 18th and 19th century is that the design like tapestry is woven into the very fabric of the cloth.

The spectacular pattern worked on the maroon base with golden zari thread sets it in a class of its own. There is intricate intertwining floral and foliate motifs. The main motif loops more like the face of a crown than one having the kalga motif. The serpent, symbol of procreative male force, is given particular attention by the Kashmiri artist. It forms the major part of the field design, lending it a zoomorphic impact.

The wool at the base is of Merino sheep and the golden zari thread is synthetic. The zari embellishment enhances the shawl's pattern and the visual beauty. The border has a mihrab design, repeated on just two sides of the shawl. A single unembellished line divides the border from the field. The tassels at the ends are maroon and beige. The zari thread is made to appear by replacing the shuttle used in ordinary weaving with a saris of small, eyeless wooden bobbins known in Kashmiri as kani, each filled with golden zari thread.

As one can tell by the look of it, this shawl is meant for weddings only. Worn with a red or maroon sari or salwar-kurta, it does not require any other ornamentation.

This description by Renu Rana