An Indian silkworm, Antheraea mylitta, is the source of Kosa silk. It is a kind of Tussar silk. For marriages, religious ceremonies and other important functions, it is ideal and auspicious wear. The cocoons that especially grow on Arjun, Saja or Sal trees are the ones from which these type of silk is drawn. We get 1-2 grams of raw silk yarn from each cocoon woven by the Kosa silkworm. It is equivalent to almost 300 yards of thread. Weaving one saree of 46” X 168” by three weavers takes around 7-10 days.
Kosa silk is produced exclusively in India and is known all over the world for its soft texture and purity. Dull gold is the original base colour. The rich red pollen dust of the Rora flower, deep rose red from Lac, yellow from the palaas (the Kusum) flower and other natural dyes are used for prints. In different shades of pale golden, dark honey, orange, fawn, cream and others, Kosa saree is available at the top saree retailers.
Origin
For producing high-quality Kosa silk, Kobra and Champa in the Chattisgarh state of India are known. In many countries, the Kosa silk produced in “Champa”, which is treated as the best silk all over the world, is exported.
Kosa Silk Sarees
The heavy, bumpy yet graceful look of the fabric is the distinguishing factor of the gorgeous and beautiful Kosa silk sarees. The beauty of the designs woven into them is also a distinguishing factor. In these sarees, typical patterns such as the Jaala (net) and Fera wave patterns are often used to create unique, artistic designs that are inspired by natural scenes, tribal tales and mythological stories. There is a contrast of the bright natural dyes used for the designs and patterns against the rich gold shade of the original fabric. An attractive aesthetic effect for the saree is created as a result of this contrast. From any type of silk saree, this sets it apart. These silk sarees are decorated nowadays with all types of modern designs as well as ethnic designs from other parts of the country. Therefore, the women get a vast range of varieties to choose from in the showroom of Kosa and Tussar saree retailers.
Chattisgarh is the main centre of production of the traditional, highly desirable Kosa silk. Interesting designs are created on the Kosa sarees using natural dyes. The entire Kosa saree is also often dyed using natural dyes. However, to dye these sarees in a wide range of colours, chemical dyes are also widely used nowadays.