Kanakavalli's October pick for The Beautiful Drape is a gorgeous monotone kanjivaram that features some of the craft's most classic motifs and patterns. The embellishments are executed in zari, with delicate accents in coloured thread that subtly highlight the drape.
The body of the kanjivaram is dotted with exquisite kamalam or lotus motifs. The borders feature a central band of mayil kann (peacock's eye) designs. On either side of this are muthu seer, dotted lines that resemble pearls, flanked by fine seer lines woven in a contrast hue. Within these is a row of kattu thuthiripoo, motifs inspired by a tropical flower, separated by vertical lines, alongside a row of salangai (anklet) patterns.
The pallu is adorned with thazhampoo moggu, inspired by the temple gopuram, as well as rudraksh and kamalam motifs separated by vertical lines, and benaras patterns. Highlighting the pallu are rows of fierce, elephant-headed gaja yalis, as well as figures sitting atop horses, with smaller yalis below. The centre of the pallu is woven with a broad band featuring diamond kann (eye) designs.
Available in an array of striking colours, this kanjivaram features zari with a composition of 0.3% gold and 24-25% silver.