Zari, what a sophisticated sounding word, the delicate weaving of fine gold or silver threads is known as zari work. To produce elaborate designs, these threads are further weaved into fabrics that are mostly made of silk. Although zari thread is frequently used in weaving, it is used more sparingly in embroidery. The shinier zari thread is known as Chikna, and the duller one is known as Kora. Apart from the monetary value of these threads, the zari work designs are so accurate and lovely that they also give the cloth as a whole a wealthy and regal appearance. In the past, Zari thread was created and used to decorate royal clothing.
However, in current times, metallic zari has taken the place of the conventional gold and silver threads. These metallic zari threads are produced by wrapping cotton thread with metallic yarn. These metal embroidery threads are ductile, even, and uniformly flexible. Unlike the typical zari thread, metallic zari is resilient, lightweight and resistant to rust. Gold is zari and the glistening heavily-encrusted gold thread work is Zardozi embroidery. Today, zari metallic threads come in colours besides gold and silver and yet have the same royal appearance. Because zari threads don't shrink, the finished product doesn't lose its brilliance.
Zari is renowned for its intricate patterns and lovely motifs. Zari wire with a metal coating is less expensive than silver threads, and it has a very fine finish and does not colour quickly. Most notably, Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer, and Chennai are known for their zari embroidered work. A flattened metallic strip consisting of gold, silver, or metallic polyester yarn is twisted to create zari. These gold or silver threads that have been flattened are coiled on a base yarn that is typically made of silk. By putting these threads through a brightener, their brilliance is further enhanced. This enhances the craftsmanship's aesthetic value. The complex zari work is what gives something elegance. The patterns, which change depending on location, were motivated by ancient rituals and beliefs.
