Design Gallery
Parsi Embroidered Sari Borders
History of Embroidery on Silk
by
-
River border - This wide border woven in gold with a burgundy pattern on it may have been done in Europe for the Indian market.
-
Border which is narrative and complex in nature that includes flowers, acanthus plants, pebbled pathways, cherry blossom trees, human figures etc.
-
This richly textured border is narrative and complex in nature and includes flowers, acanthus plants, pebbled pathways, cherry blossom trees, female figures perched on stools and female figures carrying potted plants.
-
This amazing design in cutwork has been rendered in shaded thread with every floral centre uniformly colored in red.
-
Gold sequins act as fillers in this border with circles done in gold thread. Note the chain stitch edging.
-
The clumsy ribbon bows in this border design are perhaps copies of a European original.
-
The border design of a serene pond with reed grasses and swans has been rendered in muted satin shades of grey and pink offsetting a dark background.
-
Use of minimum colors for flower and leaf pattern with black background.
-
Scallops form the edge of this border done in gold thread and gold springs to form a simple yet dramatic design.
-
Handmade lace & simple flower-leaf pattern border.
-
This border in relief incorporates thread work, glass beads and a heavy satin stitch on velvet fabric.
-
Flowers stamped out of silver metal adorn the stylized waves on this border.
The Parsis, Zoroastrians from Iran, began settling in India in the 8th century due to religious persecution in their homeland, particularly from the region of Yazd. Prior to their settlement, Iranian traders had frequented Gujarat’s shores, but they did not engage in cultural integration. Upon arriving in India, the Parsis adapted to local Gujarati customs, language, food, and dress while maintaining their Zoroastrian faith as outlined in the Zend Avesta.
Wealthy Parsi women became known for their embroidered saris, which may have been influenced by a desire to mirror the British elite, who valued exotic Chinese textiles. This affinity likely reflected their social aspirations and lack of caste distinctions.
This narrative is based on my personal collection of sari borders, or "kors," passed down through three generations of Parsi women in my family. It recalls the memories of a Chinese vendor in Mumbai who would call "Kapla! Kaplaaaa!" while selling garments, blending local and foreign influences.
For more details:
https://www.dsource.in/resource/parsi-embroidered-sari-borders
