Madhubani Silkmark Gicha Tussar Silk Black Saree

What does the painted pallu look like?

The pallu is laid out as a grid of panels, each hand painted with its own folk motif in red, orange, green and cream. Against the black body it looks like a patchwork of small paintings, and a painted folk-art band runs along the edges and hem to frame it.

Is the body plain?

Mostly. The black Ghicha body is left open, with a few small red painted buti scattered across it, and a painted folk-art band runs along the edge. That keeps the drape calm so the pallu and border carry the artwork.

Is the Madhubani really hand painted?

Yes. Mithila art is painted by hand with natural pigments, traditionally using brushes made from twigs or the fingers themselves, and that is the work on this pallu. You will see the slight variations in line and fill that come with a hand-held brush, and the grid of panels means each square is its own small painting.

Which blouse would suit it?

A blouse piece in the pallu colour comes attached to the saree, unstitched, so you can cut and tailor it. If you want a contrast, a rust or deep red blouse picks up the painted roundels on the body and works well with the black.

How do I clean and store it?

Dry clean only, which is the safest care for both the painting and the silk. Keep it in its own bag in a dry place, change the folds from time to time so creases don't set across the painted areas, and air it in non-humid weather.