Syaahi Kalamkari Hand Painted Pure Silk Passion Red Saree

Why are both edges painted?

The red body is mostly plain, with painted work on both edges. One side carries a panel of animals and birds on a cream ground; the other has a column of roundels with birds inside them. It gives the saree a framed look, with the red left open at the centre, so the painting reads clearly without covering the whole drape.

Tell me about the pallu.

The pallu sits on a black ground with a large lime-green elephant at the centre, richly decorated with painted ornaments. Bands of painted birds and florals run above and below, and the black ground makes the yellow, mustard, cream, blue and purple stand out boldly.

How do the red and green work together?

The bright green border against the red body is a classic festive pairing, and it frames the painting cleanly. For the blouse, green repeats the border for a traditional look, while black picks up the pallu for something more striking.

How do I care for it?

Dry clean only; a strong red on painted silk should never be soaked. Keep it in its own bag, away from lighter clothes, in a dry place. Change the folds now and then and let it air in dry conditions, out of direct sunlight.

Does it come with a blouse?

Yes, the blouse piece is attached to the saree in the same pure silk, and your tailor cuts it off before stitching. The saree measures 6.4 to 6.5 metres by 45 to 46 inches.

Why might mine look a little different from the photo?

Two reasons. Screens show reds differently, so the shade may look slightly brighter or deeper in person. And each saree is painted by hand, so the animals, roundels and figures vary slightly in line and colour from piece to piece, which is the nature of handcrafted work rather than a fault.