Kalamkari
is an intricate process of hand-painting and block printing on the saree that significantly
raises the appeal of the fabric. An ethnic art from the State of Andhra
Pradesh, India, it has been tried successfully on different fabrics and styles,
from other parts of the country as well, yielding stupendous results.
Kalamkari, meaning craftsmanship through the use of a pen, is
an ethnic art involving hand-painting or block printing on Sarees. The Kalamkari was originally
hand-painting on cotton fabrics to elevate their looks. Today it loosely
includes free hand-painting on any cotton fabric through the use of vegetable dyes.
Once, only cotton fabrics had kalamkari done on them. Today it includes silk,
and many other synthetic yarns too.
Two styles namely – the Machilipatnam style and the
Srikalahasti style are still prevalent
in Andhra Pradesh, in places by these names.
Both styles of Kalamkari are
distinctive and enjoy their own following.
Kalamkari painting is an arduous
process of dyeing and hand printing. Several stages of washing and treatment to
the fabric prior to the painting and after it, is undergone before the final
product is ready.
Srikalahasti Style, having royal patronage of Hindu kings
and being associated with temples, was influenced by Hindu scriptures and
mythology. It mostly has subjects of Gods, temple hangings, epic scenes and
other religious themes, in its ‘Kalamkari’. Certain marked features of this
style are simplicity, good use of colour with some colours given prominence,
sharpness in the depictions, and the use of motifs.
The Machilipatnam style having Islamic influence uses more
of flora and fauna as themes in its work.
Natural dyes are employed for colours, in
Kalamkari, with cotton, silk, crepe, georgette being the usual fabrics as
canvas for this art. Myrobalan along with buffalo milk is used for fixing of
colour reagents. Myrobalan is preferred for its high tannin content which helps
adhesion. For drawing the contours and fine lines, the Kalam or pen is used.
Sometimes it is also for doing the coloured lines. The pen could be a bamboo
piece that would be dipped in fermented jaggery.
Kalamkari is experimented as patch work on other
fabrics in various colour combinations. Motifs are some of the popular subjects
like trees, creepers, flowers, leaves and birds.
Some Kalamkari creations, that have been introduced
in the market, have been received enthusiastically, encouraging more
innovations to follow.
Fancy kalamkari prints on South PureCotton Sarees offer a refreshing look and could be used for a variety of
occasions.
Employed on the Chanderi Silk Sarees, the Kalamkari addition makes
it look so grand, that it makes the Saree apt for weddings, as bridal attire,
corporate wear, as also for Indian festivals like Sankranthi, Diwali, Dushera,
Pongal etc.
Designer embroidered Sico sarees having a Kalamkari Patch border with
an elegant pallu to match, are most suitable for parties and functions.
To shop online Kalamkari Sarees please visit our site
To purchase online Indian Fusion Sarees click here,
UNNATI SILK PRINTS PVT. LTD, #3-4-360, Vajra Complex, General Bazar (Tobacco
Bazar), M.G.Road, Hyderabad-500003.AP,India. 040-64555251.
UNNATI SILK PRINTS PVT. LTD, Satyabhama
Complex, Bhagyanagar Colony, Kukatpally. Hyderabad, India
Really trendy and royal collection of Kalamkari Sarees collections.Kalamkari Sarees Online
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