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Tamil cinema and Kanjivaram
The allure and grace of a Kanjivaram Silk Sarees are highly coveted by celebrities across the Indian film industry. With its origins in Tamil Nadu, it is only judicious to assume the level of admiration and appreciation this world-class weave receives from the people of Tamil cinema. You are familiar with the kind of Kanjivaram Sarees that looks like sunshine captured and handcrafted into a fabric; with the richness and luster of gold zari drawing attention to its aesthetic appeal, it is destined to look straight from the heavens. Tamil actresses have often flaunted their Kanjivaram sarees at movie premieres, red carpet events, and perhaps even during interviews. These supremely elegant sarees have set a benchmark in the film industry.
While Tamil films extensively make use of Kanjivaram Sarees to dress up the actresses for incredible scenes, the actresses choose to cherish and drape their curves in the elegance of Kanjivaram for their off-screen appearances as well. From supremely elegant actresses like Anushka Shetty, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Sridevi to other famous celebs like Trisha Krishnan and Tamanna Bhatia, Kanjivaram sarees have often proved to be the top picks of these stars to slay through various events. In fact, not just in Tamil cinema, the allure of Kanjivaram has engraved its spot in the wardrobes of various Bollywood divas like Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Rekha, and Hema Malini. But what makes Kanjivaram a must-have addition to your stylized wardrobes? WeaverStory , with this article, brings to you every bit of information you need to know about Kanjivaram sarees. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the world of Kanjivaram silks.
What is a Kanjivaram Saree: Its History and Origin
A Kanjivaram saree refers to silken threads, pure zari, and the color and contrasts intermingled together to produce six yards of a majestic masterpiece infused with emotions, care, and intricate detailing in every inch. The silhouette is an outcome in the form of lustrous, richly decorated, aesthetically appealing fabric. The peculiar color combination, fine craftsmanship, and hints of gold make the Kanjivaram masterpiece one of the most prized possessions of women across the world. Popularly recognized as the ‘queen of silks,’ Kanjivaram saree is made out of pure mulberry silk, which is later transformed into what we call a mesmerizing Kanjivaram saree or perhaps even a Kanchi Pattu saree.
Kanjivaram Silk Sarees has its history and origin traced back to early Hindu mythology. The Kanjivaram Silk Weavers are believed to have been the progeny of Saint Markanda, who was famed for weaving garments for the gods themselves. Another historical reference indicates that Chola King Krishna Deva Raya initiated the trade of silk sarees. This magnificent weave has a 400-year history and originated in the small town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is in this small village of Kanchipuram that Kanjivaram sarees got their name. According to legend, the two major weaving communities, the Devangas and the Saligars, happened to come from Andhra Pradesh and decided to settle in Kanchipuram. They began weaving mesmerizing Kanjivaram Silk Sarees with exquisite designs of figures they saw on temples all across the village, employing their weaving expertise. This is how Kanjivaram came into existence and began to make rounds in the world of fashion apparel.
What makes Kanjivaram sarees so special?
The Kanjivaram saree for wedding ceremonies holds a special place in the bride’s heart. The lustrous silk saree with unrivalled aesthetic appeal, and intricate, captivating gold zari work is often considered an indispensable part of a bridal trousseau (almost always for South Indian brides). Other than that, whether you wear the traditional saree in India or drape yourself in the elegance of a Kanjivaram saree in United States, regardless of the occasion, you are destined to make a statement as soon as you enter the venue.
Let us understand why sarees as magnificent as WeaverStory's green Kanjivaram saree and pink Kanjivaram saree are often considered one of the most sought-after masterworks of Kanchipuram artisans.
The Making of Kanjivaram Saree
Kanchipuram silk sarees are woven using pure mulberry silk threads. The silk yarn is perhaps a "double warp," which means that every "thread" is actually three single threads twisted together, adding to the fabric's longevity and making it heavier than other silk sarees. You will be surprised to know that while you are busy being hooked on the color and contrasts of the saree, the weavers create the body, border, and pallu of the saree separately. The Kanjivaram masterworks are handcrafted using an age-old weaving technique called "Korvai," which in Tamil translates to ‘sync’ that is applied to structured patterns of music, dance, and textiles. A Kanjivaram saree demands a minimum of two weavers to weave it using three-shuttle weaving as well as interlocking weft techniques. The body, borders, and pallu are attached using the petni method. The labor-intensive technique may take up to 10 to 12 days to create a simple, subtle Kanjivaram masterpiece, whereas it may take up to 20 days to make a heavier-looking, decorative work of art.
The Motifs and Patterns
The heavenly appeal and divinity of the fabric exude from the unexampled motifs and patterns decorated all over it using pure gold zari threads. On a typical Kanjivaram masterpiece, you can find eye-catching motifs like Mayil (peacock), Yaali (divine defender), Maanga (paisley), Yanai (elephant), Kuthirai (winged horse), Kodi Visri (floral creeper), Mayilkan (peacock’s eye), Rudraksha, Iruthalai Pakshi (two-headed bird), and Thazhampoo Reku (temple motif). You can even find a majestic allure of gold geometric patterns crafted intricately on the fabric.
Everything about a Kanjivaram saree is appealing to the eyes and soothing to the heart. The fabric and gold detailing make the saree appear truly extraordinary. The impeccable craftsmanship makes the saree worth every penny. If you have not already inherited an heirloom-worthy Kanjivaram saree from your mother, now is the time to think about this wardrobe staple as a transcendent fashion investment. A Kanjivaram saree is destined to end up being one of your most treasured wardrobe assets, whether you wear it to your closest friend's wedding or include it in your personalized wedding trousseau. To explore a wide range of Kanjivaram masterpieces to look like one of your favorite Tamil actresses, visit our website or take a walk into our flagship store in Delhi.
Author: Simran Shaikh
