Varna Sutra: Patra Pushpam

In Varna Sutra: Patra, Pushpam, we turn our focus to the world of plants and flowers. The natural world is a source of inspiration for the weaver, who draws on the rich diversity of local trees, flowers, fruit, seeds and leaves; each steeped in mythology and culture. The motif on the sari is not a literal rendition of the plant or flower, but a uniquely stylised and more elemental interpretation, that fits seamlessly into the kanjivaram layout and embellishment.

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Kanakavalli Kanjivarams

Source Of Inspiration

Lotus Flower

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

In Kanchipuram the lotus flower is adapted as a kamalam – a small, but stylised eight-petal floral motif which invokes the Goddess of wealth. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #varnasutra #motifs #plants #flowers #handloom #india

These floral creeper designs elegantly link motifs and buttis. One can see a resemblance between the floral patterns on the sari and those adorning the South Indian temple lintels. The term kodi visiri in Tamil aptly describes the gentleness, and the way the tendrils cling and wind themselves around the surrounding trees. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #varnasutra #motifs #plants #flowers #handloom #india South Indian Temple, Indian Temple, Floral Patterns, Natural World, Pure Silk

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

These floral creeper designs elegantly link motifs and buttis. One can see a resemblance between the floral patterns on the sari and those adorning the South Indian temple lintels. The term kodi visiri in Tamil aptly describes the gentleness, and the way the tendrils cling and wind themselves around the surrounding trees. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #varnasutra #motifs #plants #flowers #handloom #india

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

Malligai poo or jasmine is the single most used flower in Tamil Nadu, and these delicate long buds or moggu are always represented as buttas on the body of a kanjivaram. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #varnasutra #motifs #plants #flowers #handloom #india

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

The mango motif is a perennial favourite of craftsmen all over India. In kanjivarams, it is woven in different sizes; not just on the border and mundhanai but also as small stylised buttas dotting the body. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #motif #varnasutra #flower #plant #handloom #india

Basket Weave

Basket Weaving

Silk Sarees

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

The paai madi or basket weave in a kanjivaram usually forms part of the ground fabric of a sari, playing with colour and contrast, and is sometimes depicted richly in zari in the mundhanai. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #motif #varnasutra #flower #plant #handloom #india

The rudraksh motif, drawn from mythology, looks striking when woven along the border of a sari as an accompaniment to the main thematic design. Sometimes bigger rudraksham motifs are woven in the body as buttis too. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #motif #varnasutra #flower #plant #handloom #india India

India

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

The rudraksh motif, drawn from mythology, looks striking when woven along the border of a sari as an accompaniment to the main thematic design. Sometimes bigger rudraksham motifs are woven in the body as buttis too. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #motif #varnasutra #flower #plant #handloom #india

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

The thazhampoo is a heavily scented yellow flower with sharp petals that grows along river banks in Tamil Nadu. The temple design is interpreted as a reku in the dhotis and saris of South India, and it narrates the story of the sari as a key contributor to our identity and culture. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #motif #varnasutra #flower #plant #handloom #india

Thuthiripoo is a corruption of the word utharippu meaning loose flowers, and this motif is used in between border compositions, lending delicacy and elegance to the drape. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #motif #varnasutra #flower #plant #handloom #india Meant To Be

Meant To Be

Varna Sutra : Patra, Pushpam - Flora on the kanjivaram

Thuthiripoo is a corruption of the word utharippu meaning loose flowers, and this motif is used in between border compositions, lending delicacy and elegance to the drape. #kanakavalli #lovekanakavalli #kanjivaram #silk #sari #motif #varnasutra #flower #plant #handloom #india