Kalamkari is from ‘Kalam’ (pen)
and ‘Kari’ (craftsmanship), words taken from the Persian for the art of hand
painting done on fabrics with the use of a pen and extended to include hand
block printing. There are two schools of art that developed Kalamkari initially
in India and from individual origins.
Srikalahasti style that used the
pen for drawing and filling in the colours, and with a strong influence of
Hindu culture that specifically focused on religious subjects and scenes from
the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata in its paintings.
The Machilipatnam style that
came with an Islamic slant, had subjects of paintings mostly depicting flora
and fauna, with floral designs as a backdrop on the fabric.
Both styles that have
popularised Kalamkari have one thing in common – the depictions are fine and
neatly drawn, there is extensive use of organic colours which are fast, there
is no dilution in the skill and quality over the years. Today’s Kalamkari has
both these styles merged into one with different facets within the art.
Kalamkari saris showcase the traditional simplicity, elaborate themes, sharp
detailing and attractive motifs in a host of bright and pleasing hues.
Kalamkari comes off beautifully on a whole lot of fabrics like silk, cotton,
sico art silks such as georgette, chiffon, Supernet, crepe silk and others.
With vegetable dyes being used, colours are fast and long lasting. Motifs with
trees, creepers, flowers, leaves, birds are popular subjects.
Gloss on the fabric comes from
the traditional use of some natural substances such as myrobalan, cow’s milk,
cow dung, seeds, plants and crushed flowers in the paintings. The etching of
lines and applying of colour is done with a finely sharpened short bamboo piece
which reflects the devotion and skill of the ethnic craftsmen to bring about
such exquisite masterpieces despite the limited resources.
A time-consuming and arduous
task, that involves patience and dedication, it is the sharpness of the lines,
the fine details and the picturesque outcome that make this ethnic effort worth
its while.
Kalamkari pure cotton
sarees in the printed variety have block
prints featuring floral designs and geometrical patterns arranged in designer
fashion. Modern abstract designs have also been included in recent times to
resounding applause from the market.
Ethnic art is like any other
art. It is however the toil and the effort in producing these exceptional works
of detail and flawlessness despite the limited resources available, that truly
give it its value.
There are fine pure Tussar
Silk Sarees with multi-colour Kalamkari. where multi-colour borders and
thematic representations on the pallu or end piece that go well with the
central design. You have the largely plain or lightly adorned sarees with
attractive hand painted bootis all over. Then you have the veg.dyed sarees in Dupion
silk sarees and Supernet
sarees that have finely marked lines and accentuate the effect of the
pictorial depictions.
There are other fine offerings
in cotton and other fabrics that make the Kalamkari cotton sarees
a prized possession.
Unnati silks largest ethnic online Indian shop offers exquisite designer
Kalamkari sarees with matching blouse for sale. The Online
shopping store has the widest range of ethnic Indian Sarees online
and Salwar
Kameez online. At Unnati Silks, you can buy online unique, fancy,
exclusive collection of Traditional, Wedding, bridal attire, stylish, party,
trendy fashion, formal, corporate, office, daily casual saris in pure
silk sarees, pure
cotton sarees, sico, art silk georgette, chiffon, dupion, tussar, organza,
crepe, gicha, jute and other fabric varieties at attractive prices.
