Where is a macrame toran like this usually hung?
A toran traditionally goes across the top of a main door or an inner doorway, and this one spans 42 inches, so it sits neatly along most door frames. Many people also hang it over a window, across a mandir corner or along the top edge of a bookshelf to soften a plain line in the room.
What does the seven-layer knotting look like up close?
The toran is built in seven layers of knots that drop into pointed panels along its length. Each point ends in long fringe, and small beads sit within the knotwork, which breaks up the cream cord with a little warm brown. From a distance it reads as a soft, scalloped edge rather than a flat strip.
How big and heavy is it?
It measures 6 x 42 inches and weighs about 360 g. The narrow 6-inch drop keeps it from crowding the doorway when people walk through, while the seven pointed panels and their long fringe still give a full, soft edge.
What is it made from, and who makes it?
It is knotted by hand from pure cotton 4 mm cord in a pure white shade. The toran comes from the Indiehaat Macrame Unit, where it is worked under master artisan Brijbala. Because every knot is tied by hand, small irregularities from piece to piece are part of the craft.
How do I keep the cord clean?
Dust it gently with a soft-bristled brush, or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to lift any dust settled in the knots and fringe. For a stubborn mark, spot clean with a mild detergent solution and let it air dry thoroughly before hanging it back up.
Will the colour match what I see on my screen?
The cord is a pure white, though screens and displays can shift how a shade appears, so it may look slightly warmer or cooler in person. Hand knotting also means the points and fringe can vary a little, which is what makes each toran its own.