Kalamkari Sarees: The Finesse of Hand Painting

Every country has its own tradition, heritage, and history. Every state in India has its own way of showcasing customs in fashion, festivals, and food. However, one such factor which is found anywhere you go is the traditional clothing of saree. This six yard of elegance has been passed down from generation to generation retaining the original culture.

With changing times, the traditional sarees have also changed in their design and patterns appealing to the younger generations. Whether it is a party or a wedding, the discerning attitude of a woman is enhanced by traditional sarees. Kalamkari sarees feature one of the most traditional art forms. The patterns and designs on sarees are very colourful, vivid and extraordinarily hand painted. These sarees feature intricate patterns and motifs inspired from the remote ethnicity that reflects the culture and art of India.

What is Kalamkari?

Kalamkari is an ancient art form noted for its beautiful hand-paintings on cotton and silk fabrics. It is primarily produced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Kalamkari is not simply hand printing or block printing used for clothing. It is an expression of culture that has been witnessed over centuries.

Origin of this Art Form

The art of Kalamkari originates from certain parts of India and Iran. The word, Kalamkari is derived from two different words of the Persian language. ‘Kalam’ means Pen and ‘Kari’ means craftsmanship. Together, the word Kalamkari means to draw with a pen.

Andhra Pradesh is the main hub of hand painted Kalamkari sarees. It is particularly practised in Kalahasti and Machilipatnam and a few other smaller regions in the state. Kalamkari art is a tedious and time-consuming process. It involves 23 steps - dyeing, bleaching, block-printing, hand painting, cleaning and more. Popular motifs drawn in Kalamkari are floral design, birds like peacocks and the divine character of Hindu mythology.

Fabrics for Kalamkari

The art of Kalamkari is generally done on cotton fabric. However, silk fabric is also used in recent times. The fabric is first treated with a solution and washed several times. Kalamkari designs are then painted on the fabric by hand. Popular Kalamkari sarees include - Kanchipuram Silk, Tussar, Oranza, Cotton and more.

Kanchipuram Silk

Kanchipuram silk sarees are one of the most desired sarees around the world. The Kalamkari design with hand painting on Kanchipuram sarees gives a unique style, easy and comfortable to wear.

Jute

Jute sarees are made with a blend of fabrics like cotton and silk. These sarees come with a huge range of designs and patterns in vibrant colours and creative Kalamkari prints. The rich texture of silk beautifully complements the softness of the jute fabric. Kalamkari jute sarees are very popular for their simple yet elegant look.

Tussar Silk

Tussar silk sarees are one of the most wanted sarees all around the world. Tussar silks with Kalamkari art are designed traditionally by hand. The softness of Tussar silk and the art of Kalamkari together is a stunning combination. These sarees are perfect for evening parties, formal events and ceremonies.

Cotton

Cotton is the major fabric where Kalamkari art is practised. Kalamkari cotton sarees are one of the best handloom sarees available at Kankatala. The Kalamkari art on cotton fabric uses earthy colours such as - black, green, indigo, rust and mustard. Natural dyes are used to paint colours by hand on the fabric.

Organza

Organza saree is known to be inherently pure. Organza Kalamkari sarees are highly in demand nowadays. The most popular Kalamkari art on Organza sarees is the floral pattern. The lightness and sheer nature of the fabric make it an excellent base for Kalamkari art. The most common colours of Organza Kalamkari sarees are orange, pink, red, purple and white.

Patterns and Prints of Kalamkari

Kalamkari art uses natural dyes and primarily uses earthy colours like black, indigo, rust, mustard and green. Traditionally, natural dyes used to paint colours were extracted by blending iron fillings, jaggery and water.

There are few rules and special themes for colour patterns used in Kalamkari design. Designs of Gods are always painted using blue colour, demons are in red and green, while women figures in yellow colour. The Kalamkari designs in Andhra Pradesh are inspired by nature, architecture like palaces, forts, ancient temples of India, animals and birds. The Gujarat Kalamkari carries motifs of Hindu Mythological characters such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Arjuna from Mahabharath and other characters from epic Ramayana.

Floral

Floral motifs are the most common background seen in Kalamkari art. The backdrop carries flower designs especially lotus and other floral motifs to distinguish the foreground pattern. Kalamkari floral design sarees look elegant with youthful vibes of flowers for women of all ages.

Animals

Kalamkari features animal motifs of horses and elephants. The hand-painted animal design sarees make a bold statement. Kalamkari sarees with animal print come in vibrant colours and are perfect for casual meetups and evening parties.

Embroidery Butta

Besides hand painting, Kalamkari art has also developed innovative ways to decorate the sarees. Kalamkari sarees with embroidery and applique work are best suited as occasional wear.

Buy Kalamkari Sarees Online

Kankatala is one of India's largest ethnic online stores with over 75 years of legacy in silk saree. Explore Kankatala for a wide range of Kalamkari sarees online. Kankatala has a huge range of attractive Kalamkari pattu sarees with prices in different patterns, trendy designs, pleasing colours at a very affordable price. Kankatala is the pioneer in selling handwoven sarees and offers very reliable shipping and return policies. You can search for Kalamkari saree price and experience Kalamkari Kerala saree online shopping.

Who invented Kalamkari?

Kalamkari is an ancient art, dating back to more than 3000 B.C. According to archaeologists and historians, fabric samples with Kalamkari art were found at Mohenjo-Daro's archaeological sites. However, it was during the Mughal era, the art of hand painting on fabric was promoted and the word Kalamkari evolved.

Which place is famous for handloom sarees and Kalamkari work?

Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are the two major states in India that are popular for Kalamkari artwork. Both states have their own art form, Andhra Kalamkari art is inspired by nature and ancient architecture. Whereas, Gujarat Kalamkari art features characters from Hindu mythology.

How do you identify Kalamkari?

The Kalamkari has its own rules of using colours like women figures in yellow, Gods are always painted using blue colour and demons are in red and green. To identify authentic Kalamkari, you can smell the odours of milk and alum. You can also see that hand paintings are done using natural colours and don't have glitter.