Midnight Cotton Kota Doria Black Saree Handcrafted

How do the colours show against the black?

The charcoal-black sheer ground makes the yellow, pink, orange and green wave lines look almost lit up. They run diagonally over a fine check, in the style of lehariya, and the narrow black edge keeps the outline of the drape clean.

Which blouse colours go with a dark ground like this?

Almost any of the wave colours. Yellow or orange gives a bright, cheerful contrast, while a pink blouse feels softer. A plain black blouse lets the rainbow lines stand out on their own. The attached blouse piece comes in the pallu colour.

What is the fabric like to touch?

Kota Doria is fine and airy, with a light checked texture from the way it is woven on traditional pit looms in Kota. It feels light against the skin and lets air through, which makes it comfortable in warm weather.

Is it see-through?

It is sheer, as Kota Doria is by nature, with an open checked weave. A black or charcoal petticoat is the best match; anything lighter will show through and dull the charcoal-black ground and its rainbow wave lines.

What does the package include?

One hand tie-dyed Kota Doria saree of about 6.3 to 6.4 metres, with a blouse piece attached in the pallu colour. It is handcrafted at our Indiehaat unit in Kota under master artisan Haq Nawaz.

How do I care for it?

Send it for dry cleaning rather than washing it at home. Store it in a separate bag in a dry place, change its folds every so often, and air it out in dry, fresh air. Dry it only in the shade if it ever gets wet.