{"product_id":"muga-mulberry-blend-silk-sari","title":"Muga \u0026 Pat Silk Shawl \u0026 Choli","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand loomed muga-mulberry silk chador shawl and smaller matching choli piece. Purchased in person from the renowned Sualkuchi Village near Guwahati, Assam, northeast India, in 2002. Finished with a complex and rich tribal Assamese pattern woven in silk thread that is identical at both ends, while the smaller piece has a matching border.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur textile is a highly prized Assamese silk hybrid weave that comprises a\u003cspan data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" class=\"T286Pc\"\u003e warp and parts of the weft of mulberry silk (\u003cem\u003epat\u003c\/em\u003e) while the naturally golden \u003cspan class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003eMuga silk\u003c\/span\u003e is interwoven alongside it. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" class=\"T286Pc\"\u003eThis creates a uniquely luminescent texture because the fabric catches the light differently than pure Muga, offering an ivory-gold luster that provides the perfect ground for intricate threadwork decoration. The fabric is characterised by a\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003cspan data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" class=\"T286Pc\"\u003e crisp, paper-like structural body that is light as air and a delight to hold against the skin.\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eRegarding the pattern of embroidery displayed within this remarkable textile, the \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eultra-dense tribal border\u003c\/span\u003e (\u003cem\u003em\u003cspan class=\"eujQNb\"\u003eiri\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem class=\"eujQNb\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003e bota\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003e features interlocking geometric diamonds with stepped edges. This is a traditional Assamese design, influenced by the Mising tribe. \u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eAchieving this level of geometric symmetry across a wide border using extra-weft thread counting (where a single misplaced thread ruins the entire pattern) is a testament to the skill of the weaver.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eScattered uniformly across the main body of the chador and lining the inner borders are small, repeating three-pronged motifs, called\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e g\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003eos buta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e (Tree of Life or plant sprout motifs). They are sacred symbols in Assamese culture, representing nature, growth, fertility, and the deep connection the weaving communities have with their local ecosystem. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eThe hand-tied fringes and tassels at the ends of the chador indicate that this piece was finished with the highest level of care reserved for premium luxury commissions. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe unsewn blouse (\u003cem\u003echoli\u003c\/em\u003e) piece \u003cspan data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cp=\"\"\u003eintentionally places the matching border along the edge so that when tailored, it will align perfectly on the sleeves or base of the blouse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Fsg96\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-processed=\"true\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" class=\"KsbFXc U6u95\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-processed=\"true\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" class=\"Fsg96\"\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 24px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\" data-sae=\"\" data-processed=\"true\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-animation-nesting=\"\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"3\" class=\"otQkpb\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn regards to the acquisition of this and our other muga\/endi silk textiles, they were purchased by us in 2002 in person from the village of Sualkuchi. They were woven during what is now considered to be the golden age of Assamese silk weaving, at a time when the renowned and famous blind Master Weaver was resident at the village.  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e Our textiles are nearly a quarter-century old, making them true vintage heirlooms and exceptionally special. As discussed later, \u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003cspan data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eMuga silk has a unique biological property in that it never fades, but rather its natural golden-yellow luster deepens and grows richer with age and washings. Our 24-year-old Muga pieces are in the process of developing a deep, warm honeyed patina that brand-new pieces cannot replicate. \u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003cspan data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eThe early 2000s also predated the influx of cheaper, power-loom lookalikes, synthetic blends, and chemical dyes that began to flood the market later on. Our pieces represent a period of uncompromised handloom heritage. We may not carry the \"authentication\" serial numbers that current pieces have, but we absolutely predate the need for that authentication.\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the time of our visit we were privileged to meet the blind Master Weaver as he went from loom to loom, touching each piece of textile and discussing with the weavers any adjustments to tension and pattern that he required. \u003cspan data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eMeeting him at this time means we caught him during a golden era of weaving craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nMuga silk (along with Endi or Eri silk) is one of the two rarest and most exclusive silks in the world. It is produced exclusively in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, India, the only location in the world where the \u003cem\u003eAntheraea assamensis\u003c\/em\u003e silkworm is found and feeds only on the leaves of the muga plant.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 24px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\" data-sae=\"\" data-processed=\"true\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-animation-nesting=\"\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"3\" class=\"otQkpb\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuga silk is characterised by a distinctive golden luster. It is never bleached or dyed, the golden colour being derived entirely from the natural diet of the muga silk worm. In this case, blending muga silk with mulberry silk has produced a shimmering, white-gold textile that is beautiful to behold and light as air to wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis chador can be worn as is, as a beautiful and very luxury shawl\/wrap, or made into a dress, trousers or skirt. It would also make a very attractive wall hanging or bed throw. The smaller piece is \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ea pristine canvas suitable for making up into a blouse or other small garment, or even a cushion cover. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice includes both pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSmall piece (blouse length): Width 84 cm x height 97 cm\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eShawl: Width 106 cm x length 2.7 metres\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ui-toolkit\" id=\"shop-about\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kashgar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42431251218512,"sku":null,"price":890.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1860\/6331\/files\/Mugablendsari2.jpg?v=1780299412","url":"https:\/\/kashgar.com.au\/products\/muga-mulberry-blend-silk-sari","provider":"Kashgar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}