KANKANA - EXQUISITE TUSSAR SILK SAREES

Unlike cultivated mulberry silk (which is glossy and bright), Tussar is a wild silk produced by silkworms that feed on deep forest trees like Asan and Arjun. Because the worms consume natural tannins, the silk naturally inherits a deep, muted copper-gold undertone. This understated matte shimmer is the hallmark of real wild silk and is highly prized for its refined, regal elegance that never looks overly shiny or flashy.

Not automatically, but it can be. Standard Tussar silk is harvested after the silkworm transforms, but the traditional process can still impact the cocoon. However, Tussar is the primary base for Ahimsa (Non-Violent) Silk. In Ahimsa Tussar production, weavers wait patiently for the moth to naturally hatch and fly away before harvesting the abandoned cocoon. If a cruelty-free drape is your priority, always look specifically for the "Ahimsa Tussar" label.

When brand new, Tussar silk possesses a characteristic crispness and a gently textured, rustic hand-feel due to its short, natural wild fibers. However, it is far from rough. The moment you drape it, the fabric reacts to your natural body warmth, softening instantly to contour gracefully to your shape. With every subsequent wear and professional aeration, your Tussar saree will become remarkably fluid and comfortable against the skin.

The premium price reflects its rare, wild, and uncultivated nature. Tussar silkworms cannot be bred in controlled indoor farms; they live entirely in deep, wild jungles. Tribal communities manually forage for these cocoons deep in the forests of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Extracting, spinning, and hand-looming this short-staple wild yarn requires immense manual skill and days of meticulous labor, making every pure Tussar saree an exclusive, limited-edition piece of wearable art.

While both belong to the wild Tussar family, they use different parts of the cocoon:

- Bhagalpuri Tussar: Woven using the longest, finest, and most uniform filaments reeled carefully from the cocoon. It results in a smoother, more premium texture and a uniform canvas perfect for Madhubani prints.

- Ghicha Silk: Woven from the short, leftover, or broken pieces of the cocoon that are manually pulled and spun by hand. It yields a much coarser, rustic texture with highly pronounced slubs, giving the saree a uniquely raw, earthier appeal.

Yes, but with strict precautions. Never place a hot iron directly onto dry Tussar silk, as it can scorch the delicate wild protein fibers. Always iron the saree on its reverse side while it is slightly damp, or use a protective cotton pressing cloth over it. Set your iron strictly to the "Silk" or low-medium heat setting. If using a garment steamer, keep the nozzle a few inches away to prevent water spotting on the rich natural dyes.