Syaahi Mangalagiri Silk Lively Multi Color Dupatta

What is painted on the dark ground?

Yellow-green leaf vines wind across a black body, with magenta flowers, peacocks and small figures tucked in between. Wide orange-red borders run down the sides. It is a bright, energetic design in the style of Kalamkari, with the dark base making every colour pop.

What colours go with a dark-ground dupatta like this?

A plain black kurta gives a sleek look and lets the vines shine. For more colour, try orange, rust or magenta to echo the borders and flowers, or a mustard kurta to pick up the leaves. Keep the kurta solid, as the dupatta carries plenty of pattern.

Is it actually painted by hand?

Yes, the work is hand painting on Mangalagiri silk. Look closely and you will see small variations in line and colour fill, especially in the peacock feathers and leaves. That is the brush at work, and it means no two pieces are exactly the same.

How do I wash it?

Use a gentle hand wash with mild detergent, and always wash it separately from other clothes. Do not scrub the painted areas. Dry it in shade, and fold it loosely when you put it away.

How long and wide is it?

It is about 2.0 to 2.25 metres long and 35 to 36 inches wide. That is enough for a classic two-shoulder drape, a single-side drape pinned at the shoulder, or a casual throw around the neck.