Motifs on Tamilnadu Sarees

MANGO
If the maanga malai (mango necklace) is a treasured piece of jewellry among Tamilian women ,the mango motif is a favorite of the weavers.


Kalasam
Complete with mango leaves and coconut, the kalasam is central to many a Tamil religious ritual. Replicated in different metals, adorning puja shelves and showcases, the kalasam finds a place in a silk saree too.


Temple
The most celebrated motif of them all. Immersed as he in the city of thousand temples, the kancheepuram weaver cant help but flaunt his heritage-the temple gopuram or gateway.


Rudraksham
Beads of the Indian rosary, used to keep the count of the japam or continuous chanting of Gods name. In the weavers hands, beads of gold.


Diamond
The diamond motif is inspired from the diamond earrings of the Tamilian bride. The weaver weaves the diamond motif every now and then.


Neli
The neli motif is inspired from the neli or toe ring that is slipped in by the husband of the bride when he places her feet on the grinding stone during the wedding.


Kodi visiri
A creeper, a grapevineyet another of natures patterns that the weaver draws from.


Parrot
Not only is kili pachchai (parrot green),a recurring color Tamil Nadu sarees, it is a recurring motif too.


Chalangai
The dancers most priced piece of jewellery, the chalangai (heavy anklet) and its sound is inspiration for many a story and song. Represented by the weaver with three bells.


Peacock
In Tamil Nadu ,the peacock is given pride of place in a temple courtyard. And endlessly reproduced in hand woven sarees.

Silk sarees of tamilnadu

Kancheepuram- the silk capital


Motifs
Mango fruit(paisley), Rudraksha(Indian Rosary), Swan, Peacock, Temple tower, Peacock's eye.


Kalasam Kodi visiri


Rudraksham Neli

Colours

The endless brightness of parrot green, shimmer of golden yellow, depths of coffee brown, red-orange of a lion, blue green mayilkazbuthu(peacocks neck), violet-green of a new born mango leaf.

Pallus

Elaborated end pieces woven separately and then woven skilfully with the main body without any signs of joints the wonder of pitni work.

Borders

Korvai meaning solid or contrast borders. With a series of delicately woven motifs in zari. The three bells denoting the chalangai or anklet could well be followed by the chequered pattern of the peacocks eye, the arm jewelvanki, bunches of grapes, creepers and mangoesall in one saree. Also the meena work or colored thread between the zari.

thirubhuvanam

This hand woven saree from Thirubhuvanam is called Vanasingaram or forest beauty-for it has a whole range of wild animals with gold- gilted silver zari, in a two- way jacquard weave.

Arni
Lightweight, geometrical motifs in the border, simple pallusand the shimmer of gold here and there. Arni sarees are for those women, those occasions, when silk must be mellow, subduedsoothing.

Salem
Double side korvai-with or without zari; one side border sarees with zari: plains, stripes and checks in the body without zariSalem silks are the lighter ,simpler, softer side of Tamilnadu silk sarees.

Kornad sarees
The Konrad sarees are also known as the temple sarees and are the famous sarees of Tamil Nadu, having the distinctive temple motifs at the border. They are simple yet gives a very classy and ethnic look that go well with any occasion. The common form of the end-piece of kornad saree is found in a wide band which is usually of zari with weft-wise triangular points woven in the interlocked -weft technique.

Cotton sarees of tamilnadu

coimbatore
In textile count and texture, superfine softness defines a Coimbatore saree. Distinctiveness comes from the artsilk decorated figuresanimals,leaves,fruits or plain geometry.

negamam

Medium and fine count yarn with occasional art silk or twisted cotton for extra design touches. A Negamam saree can be identified by mangoes, flowers, diamonds ;while the collection embraces plains, stripes and checks.

madurai

Madurai sarees is a type of a cotton saree which is known to have an impressive lightweight fabric. This type of sari is best used during summer seasons because it is made from an airy type of fabric. One of the most popular Madurai sarees is the so called Sungari. It is an elegant sari with black colored prints, stripes, checks, floral motifs and usually it is being printed in cotton fabrics. It features a single colour or a combination of two colours to emphasize the beauty Sungari Madurai sarees.

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SIX YARDS, Hand woven Sarees from Tamilnadu