Kanakavalli's pick for The Beautiful Drape for September is a classic kanjivaram whose beauty lies in the simplicity of its embellishment and its thoughtful colour combinations.
This gorgeous kanjivaram sari has a plain body without ornamentation, allowing the rich colour of the silk to stand out in all its depth. The borders feature a central band of bambaram kann, a pattern inspired by the traditional spinning top, woven in silk. On either side are delicate pearl-like dotted muthu seer and thuthiripoo floral buttis in gold zari, alongside thin bands woven in contrast-coloured silk. Where the borders meet the body is a row of moggu or flower bud motifs in zari. At the corners of the body, above the pallu, are exquisitely detailed manga buttas (paisleys). The pallu features muthu seer in zari and alternating bands of vertical silk and zari kattu lines.
The sari is woven using the adai technique, a laborious hand weaving process requiring extraordinary skill that results in striking relief. On this sari, the introduction of contrast colours for fine detailing on the borders and pallu creates a sense of intricate beauty.
Available in multiple colour-ways, this kanjivaram features zari with a composition of 0.3% gold and 25% silver.