Kantha
Bengal Kantha Sari
“A handwoven Baluchari sari in lustrous mulberry silk that creates a monochromatic impression despite the use of different coloured pattern wefts in its creation.”
The sari features intricate kairi (paisley) motifs, arranged in a diagonal formation across the body, framed by an elaborate floral and kairi border running lengthwise.
The pallu (end-piece) is a masterpiece of woven storytelling featuring large kairis as its central motifs, enclosed within multiple intricately designed borders of varying widths.
Among these, a remarkable pictorial panel captures social scenes from the court, where European officials engage in conversation, interspersed between kairi vine borders.
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.