Bangalore Silk Kalamkari Hand-Painted Dupatta - Peacock & Lotus, Ivory and Black

A hand-painted Kalamkari dupatta on soft Bangalore silk, in the traditional ivory-and-black palette the craft is best known for.

The pallu holds an elaborate composition - two feminine figures resting within the sweeping curve of a peacock, surrounded by densely worked paisleys, lotus blooms, and swirling vines. A wide black border runs along the lower edge, filled with cream lotuses and a procession of elephants and deer. Fine gold zari lines run through the body, and a dark brown-and-gold woven selvedge frames both lengths.

Every motif is drawn freehand with a kalam, the bamboo pen that gives the craft its name, then treated with natural mordants and washed. Because of this, slight irregularities in line, tone, and motif placement are natural and are the signature of genuine handwork.

Light enough for everyday wear, formal enough for a wedding or festive afternoon.

Details

• Fabric: Bangalore silk with gold zari stripes
• Craft: Hand-painted Kalamkari, Andhra Pradesh
• Colour: Ivory / natural cream with black artwork; brown-gold zari border
• Length: 2.5 m approx.
• Finish: Tasselled ends
• Includes: Dupatta only
• Made in India

Wash care

• Dry clean recommended for the first wash
• Thereafter, hand wash separately in cold water with a mild liquid detergent
• Do not soak, wring, bleach, or brush the painted areas
• Dry flat or line dry in shade - direct sunlight will fade the natural dyes
• Iron on low heat on the reverse side, with a cotton cloth over the painted portion
• Store folded in a muslin or cotton bag, away from damp