Syaahi HandPainted Soft Silk Forest Green Saree

What scene is painted on the pallu?

The pallu carries a large cream panel painted with figures, cows and clouds in orange, maroon and purple tones, finished with an orange floral band. The body is plain forest green, and a green woven border runs along the edge, so the painting is the focus.

Which blouse colour suits it?

A green blouse in the body colour is the simplest; a cream or orange blouse picks up the pallu panel. Gold jewellery suits the green. If you prefer a contrast to the attached blouse piece, these shades are the easiest to source in plain silk. Keep the cut simple.

What is the size of the saree?

The saree is about 6.4 to 6.5 metres long and 45 to 46 inches wide, a comfortable size for a standard nivi drape with full pleats and a generous pallu that shows the painted panel. The blouse piece is attached to this length.

How should I store it between wears?

Keep it in a separate cloth bag in a dry place, away from other garments that could rub against the paint. Change the folds every so often so creases do not set across the painted areas, and air it in dry, non-moist air.

How is the hand painting done?

Each saree is painted by hand with brushes on the soft silk, so the outlines, colour fills and small details carry the artist's hand. That is why every Syaahi saree is one of a kind, and why the brushwork looks alive rather than printed.

What blouse styles suit it?

Let the painting lead. A plain blouse in the saree's body colour or in a shade picked from the pallu, with a boat or round neck and elbow sleeves, looks elegant. For festive occasions, a deeper back with tassels or a little zari edging adds dressiness without competing.