Kanakavalli's June pick for The Beautiful Drape is a stunning kanjivaram that sets bold geometric patterns against more delicate embellishments, showcasing the inherent drama of the weave.


The body of the kanjivaram is adorned with fine rectangular checks in a contrast hue, achieved by weaving 'south lines,' which are traditionally used for stripes, with different coloured weft threads. The colour of the checks is echoed in the colour of the traditional kai korvai borders, attached to the body of the sari by hand in a laborious process.The borders feature moggu (floral buds), muthu (dotted stripes like pearls), neli (wavy dotted lines inspired by the bridal toe ring) and dhratchai kothu (intricate grape vine designs) all in gold zari, as well as a band of contrast colour and benaras twill patterns. The embellishments on the pallu mirror those of the borders, edged by seer (fine lines) in gold zari.
The thoughtful use of colour and its interplay with zari lends the sari an extraordinary depth of detail; testament to the craft's distinctive visual language and timeless beauty.
This exquisite kanjivaram, available in multiple colour-ways, features zari with a composition of 0.3% gold and 25% silver.