Syaahi HandPainted Soft Silk Berry Red Saree

What scene is on the pallu?

The pallu is a black panel painted with a large green elephant, figures and roundel motifs, with a mustard floral band at the pallu end. The body is plain red, and a wide green woven border runs along the edge, a striking contrast with the red.

Which blouse colour suits it?

A green blouse picks up the border and gives a classic red-green contrast. A black blouse matches the pallu panel. Gold jewellery suits it. If you prefer a contrast to the attached blouse piece, these shades are the easiest to source in plain silk. Keep the cut simple.

What is the size of the saree?

The saree is about 6.4 to 6.5 metres long and 45 to 46 inches wide, a comfortable size for a standard nivi drape with full pleats and a generous pallu that shows the painted panel. The blouse piece is attached to this length.

How is the hand painting done?

Each saree is painted by hand with brushes on the soft silk, so the outlines, colour fills and small details carry the artist's hand. That is why every Syaahi saree is one of a kind, and why the brushwork looks alive rather than printed.

How should I care for it?

Dry clean only. Keep it in its own bag in a dry place, change the folds now and then, and air it in non-moist air regularly; dry it in the shade. Avoid washing it at home, so the hand-painted work stays at its best.

What blouse styles suit it?

Let the painting lead. A plain blouse in the saree's body colour or in a shade picked from the pallu, with a boat or round neck and elbow sleeves, looks elegant. For festive days or an office party, a deeper back with tassels or a little zari edging adds dressiness without competing.