Emerald Chikenkari Pure Cotton Kota Doria Green Saree

How is this saree embroidered?

A white chikankari lattice runs over the body with tiny rosebuds scattered within it. A broad border of pink and red roses with green leaves runs along the drape above a white floral edge, and touches of silver add a little shimmer to the border.

Is there any shimmer on it?

A little. Touches of silver run with the rose border, which gives the soft cream ground a gentle shimmer without making it heavy. If you'd like to pick it up in your styling, a silver blouse or oxidised silver jewellery suits it well.

Who makes it?

It is handcrafted at the Indiehaat unit in Kota under master artisan Haq Nawaz. The chikankari and buta work are finished there on a pure cotton Kota Doria base, in the same town the Kota Doria weave takes its name from.

What should I wear under it?

A cotton petticoat in a shade close to the saree is the safest choice, because Kota Doria is a sheer, airy weave and the petticoat will show through slightly. A fitted, shapewear-style saree petticoat gives a cleaner line at the pleats if you prefer a slimmer drape.

Can I machine wash a chikankari Kota saree?

Please don't. The care instruction is dry clean only, because a machine or a harsh detergent can snag the open Kota weave and distort the embroidery. Between wears, keep it in a separate bag in a dry cupboard, change the folds regularly and air it out in dry weather.

Does a blouse piece come with the saree?

No. The saree comes on its own, without a blouse piece, so you can pair it with a blouse of your choice. A cream or white blouse keeps it soft, while a pink or red one picks up the roses in the border. A light lining suits the sheer Kota weave.