Syaahi Mangalagiri Handpainted Gentle Off-White Saree

What is painted on the body?

The body is painted in dense black-and-cream paisley bands, with faces worked into the paisleys and florals in between. The painting is packed closely, with little plain space, and an olive-gold zari border runs along the edge to frame it.

What scene is on the pallu?

The pallu carries a large figurative scene painted in black and cream, which makes it the most heavily worked part of the saree. The dense paisley bands of the body lead up to it, and the olive-gold zari border frames the whole drape, so the pallu reads like a painted story when worn open.

What are the measurements?

The saree is about 6.4 to 6.5 metres long and 45 to 46 inches wide. That gives you a comfortable length for full pleats and an open pallu that shows off the painted scene.

Is it handcrafted?

Yes. The base is Mangalagiri cotton silk and the design is hand painted, so each line is drawn by hand. Minor irregularities are expected and are part of what makes each piece its own.

Is a blouse included?

Yes, a running blouse in the same Mangalagiri cotton silk is attached to the saree. It is unstitched, so cut it off before the first drape and have it made to your measurements. A simple cut keeps the focus on the painted pallu.

How should it be cared for?

Dry clean only. Store it in a separate bag, keep it dry, change the folds now and then and air it regularly. Dry it in the shade if needed, so the hand-painted work stays at its best.