Korvai Kanjivaram
Body and border are woven separately, then interlocked by hand where they meet: a join strong enough that the two halves of the cloth will outlast each other before they come apart.
Body and border are woven separately, then interlocked by hand where they meet: a join strong enough that the two halves of the cloth will outlast each other before they come apart. The border is often a different, richer colour from the body for exactly this reason. It was never going to be the same piece of thread.
The anatomy of a saree
Border. Woven along both edges. In some traditions it is woven separately and locked into the body by hand.
Pallu. The end that falls over the shoulder, and where a weaver spends the most time. Often finished with a fine joining line.
Body. Plain, checked or scattered with small buttis. The weight of the body decides how the saree pleats.
Three ways to tell a real one
Look inside the zari
Real zari is silver-coated thread wound on silk. Where a thread is worn or cut, a silk core shows through.
Turn it over
Find where border meets body on the reverse. A korvai interlock looks woven, not stitched.
Feel the weight
A Kanjivaram is heavy and holds a fold. A light, slippery cloth is something else.
Pieces in this weave
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Vasundhara
Korvai KanjivaramRegular price ₹2,80,000 -
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Caring for it
Dry clean only
The first few times especially, so the colour sets.
Wrap it in muslin
Never plastic. Silk needs to breathe.
Refold it
Every few months, along new lines, so the zari does not crack.
Perfume first
Then the saree. Spray dulls zari.
