This sari was part of Minaldevi Mahadevia Daftary’s trousseau in 1973. It is made from a luminous gold tissue interspersed with finely woven delicate floral motifs, which forms the body of the sari. An equally fine gold zari Ashavali border featuring floral vines has been painstakingly hand sewn at the edges for an elegant finish. This practice of embellishing saris by adding borders, or pallu, was common. It allowed the wearer greater freedom and versatility in customizing her sari and reused precious brocades. The drape of the sari and the effect of the floral motifs peeping through the translucent folds and layers of tissue create elegance and grandeur. From the collection of Minaldevi Mahadevia Daftary (1939-2015). Minal was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and her family were co-founders of one of India's most prolific textile manufacturers, the Mafatlal Industries. Minal was a celebrated dancer, especially in three classical dance forms - Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali from the 1950s to 1970s, and she travelled and performed across India. She loved textiles and clothes and purchased the best examples of saris from famous weaving centres to form an extensive and important collection.
