This month's edition of The Beautiful Drape is a stunning kanjivaram from our Kattam Vari collective of checked and striped saris. The embellishments emphasise the dramatic geometry and distinctive structure of the kanjivaram, while showcasing the complex interplay of colour and zari.
The body of the kanjivaram features puliyam kottai kattam (tamarind seed checks) interspersed with lines in gold zari. These are also referred to as karl irangiya kattam, checks in which the weft colours continue into the selvedge. The zari on the body serves as a divider between the different coloured checks.
A twill pattern in gold zari is overlaid onto the checks on the borders. The pallu of the sari, interlocked in the pethni technique, features thazhampoo reku designs inspired by the ornate temple gopuram woven in gold tissue, alongside delicate seer lines and intricate heart-shaped motifs woven in adai.
Available in multiple beautiful colourways, this sari features zari with a composition of 0.3 to 0.4% gold and 36%-40% silver.