Sambalpuri Ikat Cotton Saree - Rust Orange with Charcoal Wheel Medallion Pallu

Woven on handlooms in Sambalpur, Odisha, this saree carries the bandha ikat tradition in its purest form - yarns tie-dyed thread by thread before a single pick is thrown, so the pattern emerges from the loom rather than being printed onto it.

The body is a deep rust orange, alive with soft vertical feathering where the dyed warp meets the weft. That gentle blur along every motif edge is the signature of true ikat, and it is the reason no two lengths are ever identical.

At the pallu, the weaver's skill comes forward. A large circular wheel medallion in charcoal-brown anchors the end, ringed by an intricate floral core and framed by vertical bands of diamond and arrowhead butis, temple-form triangles, and fine striped rows. The end finishes in a delicate self-coloured fringe.

In pure handloom cotton, it breathes through long Indian afternoons and drapes with a soft, easy fall. Made for festive mornings, day weddings, and workdays that deserve better.

Product details

Craft — Sambalpuri Ikat (Bandha), Odisha
Technique — Handwoven on pit loom, tie-and-dye yarn
Fabric — 100% cotton
Saree length — 5.9 metres
Blouse piece — NA

Wash & Care

First wash
Dry clean only for the first two washes. Natural dyes release excess colour initially, and dry cleaning sets them.

Subsequent washes

• Hand wash separately in cold water with a mild liquid detergent
• Never soak beyond 5 minutes
• No bleach, no optical whiteners.
• Do not wring or twist; press water out gently between palms

Drying
Dry in shade, spread flat or on a wide line. Direct sunlight will fade the teal and yellow the undyed ivory. Turn the pallu inward while drying.

Ironing
Medium heat while slightly damp. Iron on the reverse side. Avoid steam directly on the border.

Storage
Fold in cotton or muslin — never plastic, which traps moisture and yellows cotton. Refold along different lines every few months so creases don't set into permanent lines. Keep a few cloves or neem leaves in the fold instead of naphthalene.