Kantha
Bengal Kantha Sari
“A handwoven Baluchari (meenakari) sari, crafted from fine cotton.”
The lengthwise borders feature a depiction of women playing with a peacock, all aligned in a single direction, framed by a rudraksha-bead patterned narrow border on both sides. The intricately woven pallu (end-piece) unfolds in five horizontal panels, each divided into fifteen distinct compartments, showcasing a captivating scene of a woman with a peacock, all maintaining a harmonious orientation.
Separating these panels are slender floral borders, culminating in a pattern of three-petaled flowers arranged in a row, creating a striking resemblance to the trefoil motif when viewed from a distance. The body of the sari is adorned with alternating black and maroon kairi (paisleys) motifs, arranged in vertical lines.
These motifs not only compliment the elaborate border and pallu but also enhance the regal elegance of the sari.
Royalty, strength, ceremonial power. Identified across the pallu panel of this object.
Open motif entryCosmic order; mathematical harmony in weave. Identified across the woven ground of this object.
Open motif entryIn supplementary weft technique, the weaver inserts an extra weft yarn — usually metallic zari, sometimes contrasting silk — only along the rows where pattern is required. The result is a brocade: pattern raised above ground, while the base cloth remains structurally complete on its own. This single technique underlies the Banarasi, Paithani, Jamdani, Bomkai and Baluchari traditions — but each has codified its own grammar.