Kanakavalli's April pick for The Beautiful Drape is a classic kanjivaram, showcasing some of the craft's most beloved patterns, motifs and weave techniques. This monotone sari, with hints of contrast colour on the borders and pallu, features embellishments that emphasise
the dramatic geometry of the queen of silks, as well as its intricate detail.
The body of this kanjivaram is adorned with delicate vaira oosi (diamond needle) stripes, fine zari stripes that glitter on the drape. The borders feature rows of muthu (pearl) motifs, kattu thuthiripoo (floral motifs enclosed between vertical lines), zigzag vanki patterns inspired by the traditional armlet and moggu or flower buds. Interspersed with the muthu are delicate seer lines in a contrast hue.
Between the pallu and body - an area weavers refer to as dindu - are composite dindu buttas featuring divine swan-like annams beneath spade-shaped motifs enclosing intricate kodi or vines. The pallu features two rows of maan (deer) and kuthirai (horse) motifs, with a central seeprekku band, resembling the teeth of a comb, and formed of vanki patterns.
This kanjivaram is woven entirely on a traditional adai loom, without the use of a jacquard machine. A laborious process that weavers liken to free-hand drawing, adai weaving results in motifs that are exquisite in detail and striking in relief.


Available in multiple colour-ways, this kanjivaram is woven with zari with a composition of 36% silver and 0.3% gold.