Kanjeevaram silk sarees are hand oven from pure mulberry silk threads by weavers who are believed to have settled at least 400 years back near the kanjeevaram town, Chennai. Recognized as a Geographical indication by the Government of India, the magnificence of the colours used and the rich luster of the zari work add to the kanchipuram silk saree’s grandeur.
Hand-woven kanchipuram silk sarees generally tend to be heavier and made of elaborate and grand designs. They are so coveted because of the intricacy of the weave and the elaborate and rich patterns. The pallu and body have a separation of extra threads in the rearside of the saree as they are woven separately.
Motifs are different type of symbols, elements and art used as a repeated pattern in a traditional Kanchipuram silk saree. Eg : Rudraksh beads, creeper-vines (valli), anklets (golusu) and pearls (muthu-kattam), chakram, thilagam, flowers and leaves, mangoes, chakram, thilagam, animals and birds like elephant, peacock, annapakshis, parrots and mythological creatures like yali.
For oil or grease stains in a Kanchipuram silk saree, apply talcum powder or baking soda to the stain, let it sit for a few hours, carefully brush the powder away and wash as normal. For removing tea and coffee stains from Kanchipuram silk sarees, mix half cup of white distilled vinegar with half cup of water and apply the mixture with a sponge or clean cloth over the stained area.
Pure silk kanjeevaram silk sarees are extremely smooth and have a rich luster that appears to change with changes in light angle. Owing to their magnificence and intricacy, the price range of Kanchipuram silk sarees is always on the higher end.