Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees 

The ancient capital of the Pallava dynasty and the historic temple town of Kanchipuram is synonymous with the divine and elegant silk sarees. The iconic Kanchipuram silk sarees are handloom sarees crafted by the master weavers of Tamil Nadu and are known for the temple borders in contrasting colours.  The best sellers of RmKV are some of the most exquisite handcrafted Kanchipuram silk sarees that are timeless. Over 400 years old, these traditional sarees give a royal vibe and are impeccably handwoven by the craftsmen from pure mulberry silk.threads  The Kanchipuram sarees are characterised by the smooth luminous textures and the grand motifs and patterns. The pure gold and silver zari adds to the rich palette of the silk sarees. 

The traditional colours and motifs on the Kanchipuram silk sarees have a deep symbolic reference to the rich heritage. Weaving in both mythology and spirituality, the motifs are inspired from nature as well and showcase the theme of harvest as well. The weavers represent the concept of abundance and prosperity through the motifs as well . Geometric patterns from “Kolams,” besides flowers, creepers, birds, fruits are some of the designs that are woven as motifs.

Every colour with multiple hues tells a story.The Red Silk Saree or Kempu is synonymous with none other than the Goddess of Kanchipuram, Kamakshi Amman who is a symbol of vitality and prosperity. It is also a part of every bride’s trousseau as the colour represents fertility and passion. The iconic Mayil Kazhuthu refers to the shade of blue that adorns the peacock’s neck, as the Blue Silk Saree takes its inspiration from the complexion of Lord Vishnu. The Yellow Silk Saree represents spring as its called Manjal, referring to turmeric .

Various styles & types of Kanchipuram silk saree 

RMKV Creations

Blending creativity and craftsmanship, the masterpieces are sheer poetry in silks, taking inspiration from arts, literature and nature. Iconic, unique and exclusive, the award winning Hamsa Damayanti or the 50000 Colour Saree for instance are patented creations and a testimony to the legacy and a tribute to the handwoven craftsmanship.

Bridal

A bridal trousseau is incomplete without an elegant, exquisite handwoven Kanchipuram silk saree. Brocades, tissue silk drapes, jacquard silk sarees with ornate Meenakari work, pure gold zari are some of the latest Bridal Collection of sarees from RmKV. These specially handcrafted bridal sarees are traditional and beautiful, befitting a special monumental occasion. Araku, the traditional lac shade of the Kempu red saree is one of the favourite colours for the “muhurtam” silk saree. 

Natural Dyed Silk Sarees 

An exclusive festive collection, these special handwoven silk sarees have been shaded with traditional old natural dyes like indigo, marigold , lac to name a few.. These dyes are natural and biodegradable and are environment friendly as well. 

Korvai Sarees

The Korvai style involves two weavers working on the same Kanchipuram silk saree and while one of them works on the main body of the silk saree, the other weaves patterns on the pallu and the border separately. Different parts of the saree are  delicately sewn together using the welt and waft.. The colours and patterns on the border and the pallu of the Kanchipuram silk sarees are different from the main body of the silk saree. All Korvai sarees are handloom sarees. 

Without border Sarees

The Kanchipuram silk sarees are lightweight and contemporary and offers contrasting colours and patterns between the main body of the saree and the pallu. The Without border sarees are characterised by geometric motifs and delicate floral designs. The colours and patterns on the blouse are also in contrast to the main body as well. 

Self Border Sarees

Not all Kanchipuram silk sarees are elaborate, intricate or opulent with heavy zaris and borders. There are silk sarees with self borders handwoven with the warp and weft of the same shade and have an unbroken palette. These handloom sarees are classic yet contemporary, light weight and lustrous and can be worn for casual, informal occasions.

Butta Sarees

The Buttas and the Buttis of Kanchipuram silk sarees are the traditional motifs, woven in gold on the body of the saree. While they are more than mere golden dots, these motifs can represent various geometric patterns like kolams or tilakams or imagery of fruits and birds or even just simple coins . 

Silk threadwork Sarees

Threadwork sarees have minimal zari or no zari work at all but different silk colour threads are woven together to create a beautiful design. Be it contrasting korvai border or a self border saree with simple motifs, you can choose elegant silk threadwork sarees based on your interest.

Plain, checks & stripes

Geometric patterns have always been one of the favourite motifs of weavers on the handwoven silk sarees to showcase balance. There are stripes and checks called Kattam and Varis in Tamil and they are embellished with miniature buttas and buttis inside them. There are different patterns like dotted line stripes, window pane checks, pinstripes among others. You also have plain silk sarees known for the elegance and grace.

9 Yards Traditional Sarees

Nine yards are traditional sarees with specific trademark motifs, colours and patterns. The extra three yards are an extension of the regular six yards . Traditional shades include Arakku (crimson red), Mambazham (Mango Yellow) and Mayil Kazhuthu (Peacock Blue) while the borders are referred to Muthu Pettu, Maadam Pettu Korvai saree. 

Kanchipuram Printed Silk Saree

Kanchipuram Printed Silk Sarees are silk sarees that blend together the craftsmanship and creativity of the weavers and artisans. A plain Kanchipuram silk saree with zari border is later embellished with various prints like kalamkari or block print to create an elegant crafted saree.