Syaahi Kalamkari Hand Painted Pure Silk Dark Green Saree

Where is the painting placed on the body?

The body is a plain deep green, and one edge carries a long painted panel on a beige ground, with rows of figures in yellows and pinks moving down the length. The rest of the green is left open, so the panel works almost like a second, painted border.

Tell me about the peacock pallu.

The pallu has a red ground with two large painted peacocks facing each other, their tail feathers curling in stripes of purple, green and yellow, with a flowering tree between them. Below and above run narrower bands of birds and florals. It is a bolder, more decorative pallu than the figure scenes on most of the collection.

Which occasions suit it?

Festivals lead, Diwali especially, where the green and red kalamkari read rich and auspicious. It also suits a puja or temple visit, an office party and a kitty lunch. With understated jewellery it can be worn to work when you want to dress up a little.

How do I care for it?

Dry clean only. Store it in a separate bag in a dry place, change its folds from time to time so the painted panel does not crease along one line, and air it occasionally in dry, non-humid conditions. If it needs drying, keep it out of direct sun.

Will the green look the same as it does on screen?

Close, but screens differ, so the green may look slightly lighter or darker on your phone than in person. Being hand-painted, the colours in the motifs can also vary a little from piece to piece. That small variation is part of handcrafted work.