This Eri by Muga Gicha Shawl is a genuine handloom piece , it is hand spun and handwoven on the traditional looms by weavers from the north east state of Assam in India .
The colour seen is the natural colour of the yarns. Eri comes in two natural colours - light reddish brown and off white. The brownish colour is due to the presence of Muga Gicha .
Eri silk is procured from the caterpillar Samia Cynthia Ricini and is found in the north eastern state of Assam and nearby region.
Muga Silk - The most valued silk from India. Almost exclusively reared and produced in Assam, India. It is indigenous to the Brahmaputra Valley and assiduously practiced in the districts of Assam. The moth is basically a wild moth. Hence it is categorised as Vanya Silk or Wild silk by the silk board of India.(http://csb.gov.in/silk-sericulture/silk/vanya-silk/)
The yarn produces is a natural rich golden yellow or light brown colour depending on the host plant it feeds on. These are unique products. Muga silks resist sunshine and are more durable than mulberry silks.
Muga can be both reeled and spun. In this case it is Muga Gicha which is obtained from the waste after / before the finer reelable yarns are taken for spinning. Gicha is also procured from pierced cocoons. These are handspun yarns involving tedious time consuming process . Spun and Gicha will not have the rich golden lustre associated with Muga and will have dry and coarse hand feel.
Unlike other silks, Eri silk has very subtle sheen as the silk is obtained from naturally raptured cocoons. In the hand spun version as this one - the sheen is very little.
Hence, the shawl has a dry and coarse hand feel which will soften over the years. The entire process in the production of this shawl is manual.
Both Eri Silk & Muga are easier to care for than mulberry or tassar and will last a life time if taken proper care and stored in moth free and cool dry place .
The colours that is visible on the website may slightly differ than the original due to light and photography factors.
You can hand wash this shawl . Recommended mode of washing is by hand in soft detergent or Shampoo, separately and shade dry. Do not wring.
