Paisley – is a term describing a droplet-shaped motif . The traditional Paisley’s are made using the twill tapestry technique whereby the weft threads (horizontals) forming the pattern were woven back and forth around the warp (vertical) threads only where...
Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Varusha Pirappu or Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Vishu in Kerala…it is time for traditional New Year celebrations. Famous temple cities in Tamil Nadu like Madurai, Kumbakonam and Kanjeevaram organize celebrations, often with local...
This week, we look at some Kanjivaram sari motifs that have stood the test of time for centuries. Unfailingly popular, these lovely designs are virtual must-haves in the collection of every Kanjivaram sari user. The annapakshi or mythical swan is...
Every Kanjivaram sari, with its exquisite designs, has a fascinating story to tell. Centuries old motifs, popular to this day, have typically been inspired by exquisite temple art or drawn from Mother Nature. But the weaver’s restless eye, his endless...
Crimson, scarlet, ruby, or rose – red by any name universally stands for passion, danger, and love. As an instinctively identifiable symbol of the life force, red plays a seminal role in Indian cultural traditions. In Kundalini Yoga, red represents...
In sunshine drenched India, it’s no surprise that the color yellow evokes associations deeply entrenched in the collective consciousness. Call it basanti as north Indians do, or manjal, the term used by southerners, yellow is prominent among India’s sacred colors,...
The word ‘Diamond’ comes from the Greek word ‘adamas’, which is an adjective that was used to describe a very hard substance. (Diamonds are the hardest known natural materials and hence its name.) Diamonds because of their beauty and value,...
Divinity, purity, prosperity and beauty are all words that are used to describe the Indian mythological bird – Annapakshi or Annams as we call them. Said to symbolize purity, the white coloured Annapakshi, could have well resembled the elegant modern...
The exquisiteness of a Kanjivaram silk sari lies in its richness of weaving, use of radiant colours and clever patterning. Designs with flowers and leaves as motifs have dominated for the past several hundred years and their depiction has been...
