Shibori saree is a hand-dyed saree manufactured using Shibori, a traditional Japanese resist-dyeing process.
Before dyeing, elaborate designs are created on the cloth by binding, sewing, folding, twisting, and compressing it.
Owing to its distinctive and detailed designs, the Shibori saree has become one of the most sought-after sarees in the fashion market during the past few years.
SHIBORI SAREES ORIGIN AND HISTORY
Shibori has been practiced in Japan since the 8th century. The technique was initially used to decorate and dye kimonos, which were the traditional Japanese garment.
The word Shibori is derived from the Japanese verb ‘shiboru,’ which means ‘to wring, squeeze or press.’
During the Heian period (794 to 1185) when Kyoto was the capital of Japan, shibori was employed in the twelve-layered kimono court attire.
Each layer was meticulously selected to match the season and then dyed in a subtly distinct hue with seasonal patterns. After this era, shibori expanded to the provinces where hemp and cotton garments were dyed with indigo.
The Shibori process includes manipulating the cloth prior to dying in order to create elaborate patterns. The method eventually made its way across Asia, including India, where it was embraced and modified to fit local tastes.
However, shibori sarees are not a traditional Japanese garment; instead, they are a modern fusion of Japanese dyeing techniques with Indian sarees.
The origins of shibori sarees can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Indian craftsmen and weavers began to experiment with different dyeing techniques.
One of the techniques they were drawn to was shibori, which they learned from Japanese craftsmen who had settled in India.
The fusion of shibori and sarees became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, during the hippie movement in the West, which was characterized by a fascination with Eastern cultures and a desire for individuality and self-expression.
Shibori sarees, with their unique patterns and bold colors, were the perfect expression of this ethos.
The Japanese concept of shibori investigates the malleability of a material and its potential for producing a variety of resist-shaped patterns.
Because of the impossibility of tying with absolute perfection, each Shibori design is unique.
MAKING OF SHIBORI SAREE
The production process of Shibori saree is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that involves several steps.
The process is usually carried out by skilled artisans who have years of experience in the Shibori technique. The following are the steps involved in the production process of Shibori saree:
Step 1: Preparation of Fabric
The first step in the production process of Shibori saree is the preparation of the fabric. The fabric used for Shibori saree is usually cotton or silk, which is pre-washed to remove any impurities or starch.
The fabric is then cut into the desired length and width.
Step 2: Design and Pattern Making
The next step is the design and pattern-making process. The Shibori technique involves several methods, including Arashi, Kumo, Itajime, and Nui.
The artisan decides which method to use and creates the pattern accordingly. The pattern is created by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, and compressing the fabric to create a resistance that prevents the dye from penetrating the fabric.
Step 3: Dyeing
Once the pattern is created, the fabric is dyed. The dye used for Shibori saree is usually a natural dye made from plants or insects.
The fabric is dipped into the dye bath and left to soak for a certain period, depending on the desired color intensity. After the desired color is achieved, the fabric is washed to remove any excess dye.
Step 4: Unbinding
After the fabric is dyed and washed, the next step is to unbind the resist. The resist is removed by carefully untying, unstitching, unfolding, and untwisting the fabric. The fabric is then washed again to remove any residue from the resist.
Step 5: Finishing
The final step in the production process of Shibori saree is finishing. The fabric is ironed to remove any wrinkles and to give it a smooth finish.
The saree is then hemmed, and the edges are finished with a border or embellishments, depending on the design.
MAINTENANCE OF SHIBORI SAREES
Shibori sarees are delicate garments that require adequate maintenance to preserve their durability.
The first and most essential consideration is to avoid washing the saree at home, since this might harm the fabric and complex embellishments. Dry cleaning is advised as an alternative.
When donning the saree, be careful when draping it and avoid straining or pulling on the cloth, since this might loosen the patterns.
Use a cold iron and avoid pressing too firmly on the shibori patterns while ironing to prevent them from being crushed.
While not in use, shibori sarees should be maintained in a cool and dark location to prevent their colour from fading due to exposure to direct sunshine.
The saree may be protected from dust, insects, and other damaging environmental conditions by being folded neatly and stored in a saree bag or clean cotton towel.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHIBORI SAREES
Shibori sarees come in a variety of styles, each with a unique pattern and design. Some popular styles include:
- Tie and Dye Shibori Saree: This style involves tying the fabric with strings and then dying it. The string creates a resist that results in a pattern on the fabric.
- Kanoko Shibori: This involves tying small knots on the fabric, creating a dotted pattern.
- Arashi Shibori Saree: This style involves twisting the fabric around a pole and then binding it tightly before dyeing. The result is a saree with a pattern of diagonal lines.
- Kumo Shibori Saree: In this style, the fabric is tied with knots before dyeing, creating a pattern that resembles a spider web.
- Itajime Shibori Saree: This style involves folding the fabric and then compressing it between two blocks before dyeing. The result is a saree with geometric patterns.
- Miura shibori: In this style of dyeing, practitioners pinch small sections of fabric and loop thread around them to create a repeated pattern.
SHIBORI SAREE ADVANTAGES
Shibori sarees are not just aesthetically pleasing, but they also come with several benefits.
One of the most significant advantages is that Shibori sarees are made from natural fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen.
These fabrics are breathable, making the saree comfortable to wear even in hot weather.
Additionally, Shibori sarees are dyed using natural dyes, which are eco-friendly and do not harm the environment.
The sarees are also durable, making them a long-term investment.
OCCASION PREFERENCE
The occasion preference for a shibori saree depends on the design and color of the saree.
Shibori sarees with bold and bright colors and large patterns are perfect for festive occasions like weddings and parties, while sarees with subtle designs and pastel colors are more suitable for formal events like office parties or meetings.
Shibori sarees are versatile and can be worn on both formal and casual occasions.
They are perfect for weddings, parties, and other special occasions, but can also be worn as everyday attire.
SHIBORI SAREES BLOUSE DESIGNS
When it comes to styling a Shibori saree, the blouse can play a big role in completing the overall look. Here are some blouse designs that coordinate well with Shibori sarees:
- Solid-colored blouses:
- Printed blouses:
- High-neck blouses:
SHIBORI SAREE PRICE RANGE
Shibori saree generally ranges from INR 1500 to INR 10,000. Some high-end designer Shibori sarees can even cost upwards of INR 50,000 or more.
The price range of shibori sarees can vary widely depending on the quality of the fabric and the complexity of the design and can also vary depending on the brand, location, and availability of the saree.
STORES FOR SHIBORI SAREES ONLINE SHOPPING
- Meesho
- Amazon
- Nykaa Fashion
- Kalki Fashion
- Subhvastra
- Utsav Fashion
- Okhai
- Linen Sari
- Siri Collections
- VTsarees
- Label Kanupriya
- Ekana
- Oorja
- Morevi
- Tata Cliq Luxury
- Indethnic
- Poshmark
- Itokri
- Andloo
POPULARITY AND DEMAND OF SHIBORI SAREES
The Shibori saree is a gorgeous and adaptable garment that revives an ancient art style. Using a variety of techniques, the technique creates beautiful patterns on the fabric.
In recent years, Shibori sarees have gained recognition due to their complex and one-of-a-kind patterns.
As more people become aware of the beauty and creativity of this ancient Japanese dying process, the demand for shibori sarees has been constantly growing.
In India, shibori sarees are particularly well-liked by women who seek something distinctive and fashionable. Designers have also adopted the trend, adding shibori methods into their designs.
With the rising interest in sustainable and eco-friendly design, shibori sarees are gaining even greater popularity, as they are frequently created using natural dyes and materials.
Several artists and designers are also utilising shibori techniques to produce fresh and inventive patterns, therefore preserving the heritage with a modern twist.
It is anticipated that the demand for shibori sarees will continue to rise as more individuals recognise their beauty and artistry. The versatility of the saree makes it appropriate for every occasion.
