Handwoven Konark Chakra Sambalpuri Ikat Saree - Turmeric & Charcoal

Every motif on this saree was dyed before it was ever woven. In the bandha technique of western Odisha, the weaver ties and resist-dyes sections of the yarn itself, then aligns warp and weft on the loom so the pattern emerges as the cloth is made. The soft feathering at the edge of each shape - the signature of true ikat - is the record of that alignment, made by hand, thread by thread.

The pallu carries the Konark chakra, the stone wheel of Odisha's 13th-century sun temple, worked in madder red with fine white outlining. Around it sit kumbha temple triangles and diamond bandha motifs, framed by rows of fine white stripes. The body is a deep turmeric yellow, bordered in charcoal and rust with the streaked ikat gradation that only tied yarn can produce.

Handwoven on pit looms in Bargarh, Odisha. Slight irregularities in motif placement and colour depth are inherent to the process and are the mark of a handmade textile.

Details

• Weave: Sambalpuri bandha (double ikat), handwoven
• Fabric: Handspun cotton 
• Colour: Turmeric yellow body, charcoal and madder red border and pallu
• Motif: Konark chakra, kumbha temple border, diamond bandha
• Saree length: 5.11m
• Blouse piece: Not included
• Origin: Bargarh, Odisha

Wash care

• First wash: dry clean only
• Subsequent washes: hand wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not soak beyond five minutes
• Do not bleach, wring, or scrub
• Dry in shade, folded over, away from direct sunlight — natural dyes fade in strong sun
• Iron on medium heat on the reverse side, preferably while slightly damp
• Store folded in a cotton or muslin bag; refold along a different line every few months to prevent permanent creasing