Introduction:
The trend of love and attraction towards saree has been maintained for ages. Embroidery, block batik work brings glamor and novelty to the saree easily. The hand-painted art has taken it one step further. Hand painted saree using different styles of colors on different fibers are gaining popularity among buyers of all levels at this time.
History of Hand Painted Saree:
Clothing has been in vogue since time immemorial, from generation to generation. The history of costume decoration is also that ancient. Hand paint is currently the most popular material in clothing decoration. Before the invention of cloth, it was customary to paint the human body. After the discovery of cloth, the practice of dyeing cloth began.
Hand painting on cloth began in China two thousand years ago. But before that there was the introduction of block print. During Han’s reign, the work of painting on silk or muslin cloth was very much appreciated in the royal court. Originally the first Chinese to start painting on silk cloth. Black was preferred. It used paints, glue and brushes – everything was natural.
The Japanese mainly acquired hand painting work from the Chinese. Hand painting is observed in the traditional Japanese costume kimono. Originally, the hand of the Greek hero Alexander started the journey of hand painted clothes outside Asia. The use of hand painted garments in Egypt and Greece began at that time as a result of the improvement of the trade system. Then the same trend continues in Europe and Africa.
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In the eighties in America, artist Hyacinthe Kuller Barron became famous for hand painting the clothes of celebrity artists. Later, he created a handprint garment factory. The use of dark colors was more in the work of the baron. In 2013, another American artist, Dylan Brown, became famous at the age of 22 by hand painting a model’s clothes at a painting show.
Artist Holly Fowlers popularized hand painted clothing in the UK. He is a British American designer. The main feature of the work of Holy Fowlers is that the ornamental design is enhanced by the handprint. The work creates a kind of illusion.
Present Condition of Hand Painted Saree in Bangladesh:
Patua Kamrul Hasan is the main pioneer of this genre in Bangladesh. He not only used paper as a canvas but also turned pieces of cloth, bamboo, wood into canvas. That’s why artist Holly Fowlers says clothing is a canvas that combines art and fashion.
In Bangladesh, the late painter and designer Shah Rukh Shahid added a new dimension to fashion in 2010 through hand painted or hand-painted sarees. Since then, the industry has lagged behind for various reasons, but now the trend of hand painted saree is returning. A variety of themed hand painted sarees, jewellery and home furnishings are now in high demand.
The most interesting part of a woman’s saree is the hem of the saree. The hand-painted Bengali conspiracy, the night sky, the reflection of the busy city are taking place in that area. Currently, the trendiest are wood roses, hyacinths, buds and various orchid flowers.
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These hand painted sarees are now the most preferred by the Bengalis in the festivals of life like Pohela Boishakh, Basanta, Eid, Puja etc. What’s more, today’s new generation is also wearing hand painted sarees and jewellery on important days like their own weddings. Not only in the country, but also outside the country, these garments are being collected effortlessly by the hands of online entrepreneurs.
Hand painted saree is not only different in features but also requires a different type of care than ordinary saree. Otherwise the favorite saree will be ruined carelessly. It is possible to keep the hand-painted sari well if everyone knows what can and cannot be done to keep it safe.
Which Cannot Be Done with Hand Painted Sarees and Garments?
- Hand-painted saree should never be washed in hot water.
- Strict detergents cannot be used at all.
- Hand painted saree should be completely refrained from ironing directly.
- Hand painted saree cannot be given in hot sun. The bright light of the sun destroys the color.
- It cannot be folded too tightly. Fold lightly.
- Don’t mix it with a lot of clothes and keep it tight at all. Try to keep hand-painted sarees and clothes in different drawers or compartments.
What Can Be Done with Hand Painted Sarees and Garments?
- It is best to dry wash hand-painted muslin, silk, Andy, jayshree or tassar and even cotton cloth.
- If hand painted saree is to be washed normally, it should be washed by soaking it in normal temperature water for a while.
- Shampoo or mild detergent should be used. There will be no damage to the fabric or color.
- Hand-painted sarees must be ironed on the reverse side.
- After washing, hand-painted cloth should be dried in shade and cool place.
- Everyone have to change the hand-painted saree or dress from outside and dry it in the air of the fan.
- Folding the saree in big folds and hangs it on the hanger; it will be good for a long time.
- After buying a new hand-painted saree, have to put it in the sun for at least 2 days. The color of the dress and saree will be ripe.
Conclusion:
The appeal of the sari is never diminished. Over time, diversity, individuality and uniqueness have come in the fibers, weaving and structure of sarees. Making hand-painted saree is as hard work as it is worth. To make sure everybody the things that they buy with the price are not wasted by the slightest negligence. Take care; wear the saree in the hands of love for ages.
References:
- https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Paint-it-drape-it/article16667534.ece
- http://www.internationaljournalcorner.com/index.php/ijird_ojs/article/view/134809
- https://www.pinterest.es/pin/800163058778492043/
- https://www.thebetterindia.com/233690/pune-padmam-nayar-kerala-hand-painted-saree-order-online-home-business-idea-india-vid01/
- https://barta24.com/details/lifestyle/99089/hand-paint-shari-care-tips
- Maria Islam “Clothing When Canvas” https://bunon.info; Accessed date: 01/06/2021
Author of this Article:
Nazifa Tabassum
B.Sc. in Clothing and Textile
College of Home Economics, Dhaka
Email: [email protected]
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
