Every saree in the Masterpiece collection is a work of art which required over 6 months to create, and is intended to be cherished as a family heirloom. Kankatala’s curators work closely with expert weavers to revive historic weaves to produce rare pieces which are beautiful to look at, luxurious to drape, and become deeply sentimental to the wearer.
The Masterpiece collection is composed of handwoven or handloom sarees with pure zari work in a diverse set of weaves and fabrics. These include the classic Kanchipuram silk with contrasting Korvai borders and motifs; the Mughal-influenced Banarasi silk made with complicated techniques like the kadwa; the Paithani or ‘Queen of Silks’ with its vibrant colours and tissue borders and pallus; the Patan Patola double ikat of northern Gujarat, the humble and dignified Khadi that calls to mind a pivotal era of the nation’s journey; and the Persian-inspired Jamdani made with an intricate technique of loops. These weaves encompass the varied cultures of India, and each piece is a repository of history, artistry and the imagination.
Kankatala pride themselves on a golden rule of curation which has never been broken: every single saree among the thousands in their catalogue must be carefully chosen by a member of the family. The curators look for and select only the best quality in weave, design and fabric. Every six-yard wonder in the Masterpiece collection has been personally selected by Kankatala’s chairman, Malik Kankatala. The exhibition will also carry a wide selection of casual linens, organzas, tussars, gadwals and uppadas, in addition to the Masterpiece collection.
At :The Folly, Amethyst
May 3, 4 and 5
Time: 10 am to 8.30 pm