Salam Everyone, I am Areesa. I am new to this Forum. And I love it here.
Looking for some advice/help from ALL here.
My sister is getting married and we are shopping for her (lol - you know what I mean…)…We saw this huge Dulaee (see photographs above) and we both loved it. Specially Rabia my sister. It has Such Kaam (real Gold and Silver threads) and the embroidery is exquisite. Its about 100 years old but in excellent condition.
It is for sale and we are thinking of buying it.
Do you think it is a good idea ? And how much do you think the price should be ?
We don’t know much about this so we asking everyone for advice. Can someone help please ?
If its that old and its authenticated, I'd definitely buy it! Looks like someone's family heirloom. And you're right- the kaam looks exquisite and it's in perfect condition. Buy it!
I think Ziggy and Blushing Rose are the two ladies to ask about pricing. They're much more familiar with kaam and vintage pieces.
If I'm not wrong; dulaee = quilt/thin mattress cover.
It's really beautiful but I don't know how she'll be able to use something so delicate and with so much kaam. I personally wouldn't sleep with something so exquisite all over and under me. It would be fine for just decoration purposes though.
If its that old and its authenticated, I'd definitely buy it! Looks like someone's family heirloom. And you're right- the kaam looks exquisite and it's in perfect condition. Buy it!
I think Ziggy and Blushing Rose are the two ladies to ask about pricing. They're much more familiar with kaam and vintage pieces.
where did you find it?
Thank you somegroovychick. Yes it is beautiful. A lady in Karachi is selling it. Its her family heirloom.
Great ! I will ask Ziggy and Blushing Rose. Hope they read this post and reply.
I love it but don't really know how much it should cost. Don't want to pay too much, or too little (shes a nice lady).
Thank you again somegroovychick. Love to hear from you again.
That seems like a good price for a family heirloom. Maybe even a little on the low side, in fact, given that it is an heirloom and so beautifully made.
Here are some of my questions, How did the lady who is selling it acquired the cloth? Why is she selling it (If I had an heirloom from my great grandparents time--would not be keen on selling it). What is the story behind the cloth? Where was it made (city/state/bazaar)? Why is it in pristine condition after all of these years? Usually organza and raw silk might start tearing if folded for such a long time so how did the owners take care of it. Did they change the foldings from time to time? Remember Kareena Kapoor wore an heirloom piece, but even that gharara had to be restored (done by Ritu Kumar). Imagine no one could have possibly stored a gharara in as good of a state as a nawabi household and even that dress needed help. Are you currently in Pakistan? I suggest asking an Indus Valley School professor their opinion or if its possible to ask Faiza Samee or Bunto Kazmi. If it has been authenticated then its an absolutely gorgeous piece to invest it. Reminiscent of kaam from the Rampur court.
As far as price goes, I honestly do not have a clue. Heard that shawaals with exquisite hand made Kashmiri embroidery are easily going for a lakh (not vintage, not silk).....
It is a lovely piece, but before you even consider buying it, I would highly recommend authenticating the gold and silver since that is what the majority of asking price is based upon, especially given how expensive gold is now. A reputable jeweller should be able to determine if it is real gold/silver and perhaps they can also give you an estimate on how much gold/silver has been used and therefore give you an idea of its value.
Back in the day, old unwearable clothing made with real gold was burned in such a way as to reclaim the gold by jewellers and reuse it for jewellery or to be spun back into thread for embroidery in new clothes.
Dear All, Thank you so much for your wonderful advice and interest. This is a great Forum.
I have been so busy shopping, relatives, answering about my own marriage....lol...don't ask.... too much. Anyway thats why couldn't be here till today.
Thank you so much Blushing Rose and Shukria to Shukria. Wonderful advice.
The Dulaee has real Gold and Silver threads---valued at Rs 250,000 around. Workmanship, Material and excellent condition are extra.
Answering BlushingRose, Dear yes I asked all the questions. Its from Delhi, 100 years old now. On sale because the lady needs money...sons education...sad but true...have people who can vouch for the seller, the Dulaee speaks for itself.
I think between Rs 300,000 to Rs 330,000 is good price. Infact a bargain. Do you agree ???
More buyers are contacting her but she has given me first right of refusal if i meet the price. Should I go ahead ???
Are the people authenticating the piece from your side or the seller's side?
Thank you for your interest llxxll. Authenticated as antique, as real gold and silver thread, and exceptional workmanship by 3 different Embroiders, 3 Jewelers, and a designer. All from our (buyers) side.
However, the most interesting thing is something my aunt did. She found out how much it would cost to have a similar dulaee made in same size, and a bit smaller dupatta.
With not Sucha Kaam, price is over Rs 200,000. Sucha Kaam Rs 700,000+. And if reputable kaarigar who work for Designers do it its much more. I was shocked. So was my aunt.
So don't you think it's worth the price now ???
And, here's some advice from my aunt I want to share with you. If you want to know the real price of any antique or even not so old outfit find out how much it would cost to make now. You will learn the true value of it.
