Handloom Katan Silk Saree

Katan is the silk Bengal keeps for weddings, Eid and the photographs that end up framed. Two or more filament mulberry silk threads are twisted together before weaving, which gives a firm, crisp cloth that holds its pleats and a deep, moving lustre. Ours is woven on a handloom in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, with small butis across the body, a triangular temple-style border and a full anchal — all woven into the cloth with extra weft threads of contrast silk and zari as it grows, not printed or embroidered on afterwards. It takes several days on the loom. Two honest notes: the filament yarn is imported, as it is for almost all silk woven in Bangladesh today — the country reels only a few tonnes of fine silk a year against a need of around 400 tonnes — and the gold is tested (metallic) zari, not real gold. What is local is the weaving, and that is where a saree like this gets its life.

Fabric

Katan (twisted filament mulberry silk) with tested zari, handloom, 12 haat (≈5.5 m) + blouse piece

Origin

Shibganj, Chapainawabganj

• Dry clean only — water can spot katan and dull the zari
• Store folded in muslin and refold along new lines every few months so the zari doesn't crack
• Keep away from perfume, deodorant and direct sunlight
• If needed, iron on low from the reverse; never iron directly on the zari