What does the pallu show?
A large circular medallion fills the pallu, painted with birds and leaf shapes, and diagonal painted bands run across the body panels. The painting leans on orange and teal over a beige ground, with touches of red, blue and pink, so it reads strong and warm from a distance.
What are the saree and blouse lengths?
The saree is 5.6 to 5.7 metres and the blouse piece is a separate 80 cm. That saree length suits standard pleats with a regular pallu. If you're tall or like deep pleats, pleat a touch narrower or wear it slightly lower at the waist.
How would you style this saree for a festive day?
A teal, mustard or emerald blouse, antique gold jhumkas and a red bindi give a classic festive look. The strong orange in the painting pairs well with gold, so you can go a little heavier on jewellery for festive gatherings.
How do I store a hand-painted silk saree?
Keep it folded in a cotton bag or wrapped in muslin, in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Refold along different lines every so often. When it needs cleaning, use a dry cleaner who handles silk; it's dry clean only.
Is it made by an individual artisan?
Yes. This saree is crafted by Wasif Ahmed from Bhagalpur. The Madhubani motifs and storytelling patterns are painted by hand across the fabric, which gives each saree a distinct handmade identity.
Will my saree look exactly like the photo?
Very close, but not identical. Each saree is painted by hand, so motifs, spacing and colour depth vary a little from piece to piece, and screens shift colour slightly too. Expect the same design language and palette, with the small differences that come with handwork.
Where does the Madhubani art form come from?
Madhubani is a traditional folk art form from Bihar. Artisans create intricate motifs and storytelling patterns by hand using detailed brushwork, and because each painting is done manually, every saree carries its own handmade character. On this one, the art is painted across Ghicha tussar silk by Wasif Ahmed of Bhagalpur.