Syaahi Kalamkari Hand Painted Pure Silk Lovely Wine Saree

What is the wide panel down one edge?

The wine body is plain except for a wide painted panel down one edge, made up of stacked rows of small figures in green, yellow, blue and pink. Against the deep wine, the panel looks almost like a brocade border, and the open ground keeps it from feeling heavy.

What does the pallu show?

The pallu has two tiers: a band of painted peacocks and florals, and below it figures with an elephant on a teal ground. Both tiers are drawn and coloured by hand, so the pallu is the most detailed part of the saree and carries the look.

Will the colours bleed?

Not with the right care. The saree is dry clean only, so it should never be soaked or hand washed at home. Keep it in its own bag in a dry place and away from moisture, which is what causes painted colours to run.

Where does the saree come from?

It comes from Mangalagiri, where the pure silk is painted by hand. Every figure and floral is drawn and coloured on the silk by hand rather than printed, so no two sarees come out exactly alike, and minor irregularities are part of that handwork.

Which blouse colours suit wine and green?

The blouse piece comes attached to the saree. If you want contrast, green echoes the border and looks traditional, teal picks up the pallu, and a gold blouse turns the look more festive. Wine is a warm, deep shade, so gold jewellery suits it well.