"Kanjivaram Pattu Sarees" are exquisite silk sarees that originate from Kanchipuram, a town in Tamil Nadu, India, also known as the "Silk City." The term "Pattu" is the Tamil word for silk, so these sarees are essentially pure silk sarees from Kanchipuram. They are highly regarded in India and across the world for their rich texture, vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the luxurious feel of pure mulberry silk.
Here's a deeper look into Kanjivaram Pattu Sarees:
Key Characteristics:
- Pure Mulberry Silk: Authentic Kanjivaram Pattu sarees are woven using high-quality pure mulberry silk threads. The silk is known for its fine texture, natural sheen, and durability.
- Zari Work: A significant aspect of these sarees is the intricate zari work, which traditionally uses pure gold and silver threads. Modern sarees might use tested zari (silver coated with gold) or metallic zari for affordability, but the quality of zari remains a key factor.
- Contrasting Borders and Pallu: A hallmark of Kanjivaram sarees is the contrasting color and design of the border and the pallu (the decorative end piece) compared to the body of the saree. These contrasting sections often feature elaborate zari work.
- Intricate Motifs: The sarees are adorned with traditional motifs inspired by nature (animals, birds, flowers), temple architecture, and mythological stories. Common motifs include peacocks, elephants, lions, floral vines, and temple borders.
- Heavy Fabric: Due to the use of thick silk and often extensive zari work, authentic Kanjivaram Pattu sarees tend to be heavier than other types of silk sarees.
- Durability: The double warp weaving technique, where two threads are twisted together for added strength, contributes to the saree's durability, making them heirlooms that can last for generations.
- Interlocked Borders: The body and the contrasting borders are interlocked using a unique weaving technique called "Korvai," creating a strong and seamless joint. The pallu is often woven separately using the "Petni" technique and then joined to the body.