Earthy Kota Doria Cotton Bird Embroidery Gray Saree Handdyed

What do the birds on this saree look like?

Medium-sized birds perch on flowering branches, stitched in teal, yellow, purple, green and mustard thread. They cluster along the pallu end and then scatter loosely across the body, so the pleats carry a few birds too and the saree never looks bare at the waist. Against the pale grey-blue ground the colours stand out clearly without looking loud.

Is the pallu any different from the rest of the saree?

The pallu shares the same ground as the body, but the embroidered birds gather more densely towards its end. When you drape it over the shoulder, that richer patch of colour falls at the back, while the front stays light with scattered motifs. It is a soft, garden-like look rather than a heavily worked pallu.

How sheer is it, and what should I wear underneath?

Kota Doria is a sheer, airy weave, and light passes through it. A cotton petticoat close to the ground colour, pale grey or a soft blue, keeps the drape clean and hides the petticoat line. Avoid white or strongly contrasting petticoats, which tend to show through at the pleats.

Does it come with a blouse piece?

Yes. The saree comes with a blouse piece of 80 to 85 cm, which your tailor can cut in the style you like. The saree itself is 5.4 to 5.5 metres long. A contrast blouse in one of the embroidery colours, such as mustard or teal, picks up the birds nicely.

How do I wash it without harming the embroidery?

Hand wash it gently with a mild detergent, and wash it separately. Don't wring or scrub the embroidered areas; press the water out lightly with a towel instead. Dry it in the shade, and iron on the reverse side so the thread work keeps its raised look.

What is Kota Doria?

Kota Doria is woven in Kota, Rajasthan, on traditional pit looms using a blend of cotton and silk yarns. It is known for its fine checkered texture, airy feel and delicate drape, which make it ideal for warm weather. This piece was made at the Indiehaat unit in Kota under master artisan Haq Nawaz.